Job Done

 

As with any cup match at any level, it is the outcome that is the only important thing. If you can put in a decent performance as well, then that is a bonus. We were expecting a tough game today against Viewpoint, so our plan was to try and play the game at our pace and compete with any physical battles but maintain our discipline and composure. Quite frankly, in the first half an hour they didn’t know how how to cope with us. Everytime we went forward we looked like scoring, and were continually shutting them out at the back.

 

Their goal just before half-time could have proved a turning point, but a resilient defensive performance in the second-half turned out to be the important factor. Even though we rode our luck a little, and were all guilty of giving away possession too easily, it was a battling performance against a number of factors. Playing with the wind and sun behind us in the first-half, we knew we had to go in with a comfortable lead at half-time, knowing that we were going to be under pressure in the second-half. As it turned out, the early lead we obtained was enough to see us through.

 

Credit to Viewpoint. They never gave up and some might say that they were worthy of a draw to force extra-time, but although it wasn’t one of our better performances of the season it was a case of frustrating them in attack as much as possible and trying to get something on the break against a strong wind. In the end the job was done and we are now in another quarter-final.

 

A couple of things to learn from the game. For instance: sometimes just clearing your lines and squeezing up is beneficial to regain shape and balance, rather than trying to play out under pressure, and being forced into errors or giving the ball away cheaply. We like to play football, but there is a time and a place, especially against such a strong wind.

 

It was good to see that none of the players, nor our supporters for that matter, reacted to the Viewpoint players and their spectators. There is a difference between a physical tackle and a dangerous tackle, and there is also a difference between making your opinion heard and verbal abuse. Considering the amount of criticism we have received recently, I hope people will now see that we are actually a well-disciplined squad and pride ourselves on this. We can handle the tough opposition, although it must be said that the strong officials from today’s game certainly played a factor in supporting us.

 

Finally, a mention for Rob Gutsell, who unfortunately broke a bone in his shoulder and could possibly be sidelined for a couple of months. Keep your chin up mate, and hope you get well soon.

 

“Come On The City!”

 

 

It was important for us to pick ourselves back up again after last week’s performance. Training was focussed on the things that went wrong tactically and we had discussions about other things, and made sure our preparation was right so that we could get back to winning ways.

 

Although it was a while before we broke the deadlock against UK Paper, it seemed only a matter of time before we did, and when it came the floodgates opened. From that point on there was only going to be one winner.

 

There were a number of changes made to the squad, with two new additions and others missing due to injury and illness. Both Dan Woodward and John Salter made promising debuts, and I am sure they will both feature and play important roles in the First team for the remainder of this season. We went forward really well today and looked like we were going to score with every attack. Credit must be given to all the attacking players. UK Paper couldn’t deal with the number of players coming at them, and the width of the pitch suited our game. Having said that, I thought we defended excellently as well. Bearing in mind James Brooke had to fill in at centre-back, I thought he performed superbly and looked comfortable there… although I am sure he will tell you otherwise! Danny Black in goal still had to remain focussed despite not having a lot to do, and he did so when he was called upon a couple of times in the final minutes.

 

Despite having had a number of players in defence this season, we still look very solid whoever is playing. This shows the quality defenders we have in the squad. We are now 14 points clear at the top of the table because our nearest rivals were not in league action this weekend. That is a massive gap, and although we will only be three points clear if they win all their games in hand, ask anyone and they will say that they would rather have the points than need to win the games to get them.

 

We played with a smile on our face today and everyone enjoyed the game. That was the instruction given this week. However, it is easy to smile when you are winning and playing well. We need to make sure we continue to do this when we are not getting the decisions or are up against a lot of pressure. Having said that, credit must be given when it is due, and I am looking forward to reading all the good comments that will appear on the Forum. Please remember that the players and management do read the discussions and whilst we take criticism on the chin, it is nice to read the positive things as well.

 

“Come On The City!”

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                                         Things to Learn

 

 

The build-up to today’s game against the University was larger than usual – the possibility of an upset by Canterbury City was a distinct possibility, and that was made clear by many people. It was the first time the two largest clubs in Canterbury had met for a long time and what a way to do so.

 

Many things went against us today, but ultimately we only have ourselves to blame. Never in football have I ever seen a referee affect the result of a game. Agreed, they can have an influence, but no referee has or ever will do something that means one team wins and the other loses. We have to be careful, we cannot just come out and say the referee was poor, and we certainly cannot use inappropriate language towards him. The general feeling was that we did not get our fair share of the decisions today, and anyone at the game would probably agree. However, we did get a penalty, and so did they. The only difference was that they scored theirs at a crucial time, which resulted in them finishing off the game. Whereas the one I missed proved to be just as important because had we gone in at half-time with a lead, it may have been a different story… who knows?

 

It was agreed at the start of the season that all members of Canterbury City FC needed to be ambassadors for the club, and represent them in the way people of the city would expect players to behave. I feel that even though we have been on the receiving end of some very rough treatment so far this season, all players, officials and spectators have risen above it and done the right thing. When the going gets tough, this must remain the same. Sometimes it seems as though everything you do is wrong, and everyone is against you. That is the time when true character shows.

 

When you’re losing and not getting any decisions, can you stand up and be counted? Today was a day for working hard, competing for everything, keeping our discipline, staying focussed and to play with pride. Some of us went missing today, and some of us didn’t respond in the way we needed to. I never single people out, and I will certainly never exclude myself from any comments I make. When we win, we win as a team; when we lose, we lose as a team. I am captain of this team, so it is on my head individually as well.

 

A captain leads by example and if his players don’t do the right things and respond to what he says, he has to take some of the blame. That, unfortunately, is one of the tough things about leading others. So individually and collectively there are lessons to be learnt. The sooner we do that the better. There is no need to dwell too much on today’s performance though. We need to pick ourselves back up, work hard in training this week and get back to winning ways in the league next week.

 

“Come On The City!”    

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Everyone knew how important today’s game was, and how much of an influence it could eventually have on the title run-in. That was why we prepared meticulously for it, including a fitness session last Saturday and a training game midweek. If we had gone into this game having had 13 days with no activity, I think our performance may have been very different. Instead we displayed our most battling performance of the season.

 

It is never easy to defend a one-goal lead for any amount of time, especially an hour. You are always worried that no matter how hard you work and how well you defend, they might just sneak a goal from somewhere. Having reflected on the game, though, I can’t remember many clear-cut chances that Otford had. I recall Danny making one save low to his right in the first-half, but other than that he just had to collect lots of high balls and clear up over-hit through balls. He did, however do this extremely well, taking some very important catches amongst a crowded penalty area late on in the game, as well as being on the receiving end of some over-zealous challenges from Otford’s strikers.

 

I thought the defence was outstanding and this was largely due to the protection they got from the midfield. Otford played with lots of width, which caused us a few problems in the early stages of the game. Once we settled, though, we began to force their play and make them do the things we wanted them to do, resulting in them becoming frustrated and not being able to play their own game. We could have scored more than just the one goal, having two chances cleared off the line; two go narrowly over the bar; the missed penalty and the header against the bar late on. I don’t think anyone could have complained if we had actually won the game by two or three goals.

 

Ultimately it was the result that was important, and I suppose it was never going to be an attractive game. We worked hard, dealt with what was thrown at us and got the job done. We have now taken six points off of one of the title-contenders – something that is important for any team with aspirations of winning their league. It pushes us one step closer to what we want to achieve this season. There is still a long way to go, and many potential banana skins on the way. It is important to stay focussed, work hard in training to continue to improve, and keep our feet firmly on the ground.

 

Again it was very pleasing to see the large number of supporters make the long journey to watch the game. Your commitment and dedication helps us greatly. We only hope that you continue to support us until the very end. One final message: to the gentleman who set the quiz question about the eight possible ‘city derbies’ in English professional football… I think I now have all eight! I will catch up with you next Saturday!

 

 Come On The City!

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                                                                      A Great Finish to the Year!

 

After a couple of, let’s say, less than satisfying performances, it was important that we finished 2007 with a good and convincing win. We worked on the things that needed improving, changed some things slightly and these helped contribute to the excellent performance that was displayed today.

 

What was very pleasing was that it wasn’t just a good performance for part of the match, and then we fall asleep for a while and concede a sloppy goal – which is what has happened at times in the past. Today was an excellent performance by all for 90 minutes. Everyone showed determination from the very start, and once we got the early goal, we knew there was only going to be one winner. So we finish the year on top of the league, 11 points clear. If anyone offered us that at the beginning of the season we would have snatched their hands off.

 

Now is a good time to be reflective on what we have achieved so far. It doesn’t seem that long ago that more than 100 people turned up to the initial trial in the rain, everyone eager to impress. Over the weeks that followed, the management began to select the players they wanted, and this changed considerably during that period. More players left and more joined, and by the time the first league game arrived, we knew we had a squad that contained the quality to win the league. Credit must be given to Dave Fairclough and Gary Beckett, as they have worked hard to get everyone to gel. This is an issue that is often talked about at all levels of the game. It is easy to pick a squad of individually talented footballers, but to get them playing well together so quickly is an astonishing achievement.

 

I could go through every player individually and highlight what they have done so far to contribute to the position we are in now, but I would be here for a very long time as everyone has played a massive role in our achievements so far. I will, however say this: we have a group of defenders and goalkeeper that have been shaped into a solid unit. They know how each other plays and where they will be. The reason we have conceded few goals so far is because of them, the hard work they do and the pride they take in their performance as a group. We have the full range of midfielders who compliment each other very well. Those who are the ball-winners, those who are the creative players, and those who are versatile and will perform excellently whatever role you give them. And last but not least we have a group of forwards who know how to score goals. Of the 62 goals in all competitions that the team have scored, 47 of them have been scored by the forwards.

 

We always set out to keep a clean sheet at the start of games, because we know that we have the quality to score goals. Ultimately the reason why we have been so consistent is because of the quality in the squad. We have used 25 players so far this season, and the dedication of each has been the reason for our success. In football the players always get the credit when things go well, but when they go wrong it is the manager that gets the blame. This is something that I can never understand. I therefore want to mention the performance of Dave Fairclough as well, because he is a huge reason for our outstanding start. He is an excellent manager and knows his players well. He makes a big effort to listen to everyone and treats us all with the utmost respect. As a player, you need to feel wanted by your manager. Dave does exactly that. His decisions are always backed up with reasoning. Any changes he makes are fully justified. He takes time to explain, on an individual basis, why he has made a decision, and that means a lot to the players.

 

Everyone has been given an opportunity to show what they can do, and although some have had more opportunities than others, no-one can say they haven’t been given a chance. Thank you also to all the supporters who have shown dedication and commitment. It is much appreciated by everyone at the club, and we hope to see you continue your encouragement in the future. It is great to see so many of you taking such a big interest, something which is vital for the success of the whole club in the future.

 

All that is left for me to say is Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all the players, management, committee, supporters and everyone else associated with Canterbury City Football Club. See you all in 2008!

 

 “Come On The City!”

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After today’s draw with Atcost there are many judgements that can be made. It would be easy to say that we did not perform well enough and we didn’t deserve to win. However, it is important to be reflective in football, and to do so in a positive manner as well. So, we underperformed… we still dominated the game for 85 minutes. Admittedly, in games such as this you clearly need to dominate for 90 minutes, because in the moments that you don’t, you can be punished.

 

We created numerous chances which, on another day, would have gone in. So far this season we have been very fortunate in front of goal, and today was just one of those frustrating days. Other than the two minor lapses in defence, we defended very well and Atcost never looked like scoring at any other time. Credit needs to be given for that. Similarly, to those in midfield who ran and ran for the whole game. It was a big pitch and a lot of ground needed to be covered. There were very few times when those players were caught out of position.

 

As for the front players, there was a mixture of pace, power and creativity, and all these things together provided numerous opportunities, but only managed to breach the defence twice. What can you say? We certainly haven't become a bad team overnight, but it is possible for things not always to go as you want. Today was just one of those days, and we need to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

 

Like I said last week, we will continue to work hard in training. If we want to win the league we need to correct these things. Obviously this IS what we all want, so it goes without saying that hard work will be put in to ensure that as much as possible is left in our own hands, rather than having to rely on other teams to get results for us – like today. We were fortunate that Otford United drew with Woodstock Park. That result means that if APM Mears win their games in hand we will still be two points clear, and as anyone will say, it is better to already have the points than to have to get them.

 

We feel that we have enough quality at the club to win this league ourselves rather than depend upon others to help us. Rest assured we will do all that we can to try and make sure this happens. It is often said that the Christmas and New Year period is crucial in the final outcome of a season, and it is no different for us. We have some big games coming up, starting with Larkfield and New Hythe Wanderers next Saturday. We want to finish the year with another win and then comes another huge fixture in the New Year. Away to Otford will not be an easy game, but it is a must-win match in our title-chase. By the end of January we will have played 17 league games and we hope to be a large step closer to winning the league.

 

A big thank you to the fans that took the long journey and stood in the bitter cold to support us yet again. Your devotion is both applauded and welcomed, and we sincerely thank you all for your continued encouragement.

 

"Come On The City"!

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Come the end of the season when we are thinking back over the games we’ve had, I’m sure many people will say: “Do you remember the cup game against Tenterden"?

 

I think it is fair to say in hindsight that the game shouldn’t have gone ahead, but fortunately for us, we were not left feeling aggrieved because we lost a game that should never have been played, and we are now into our second quarter-final of the season. I don’t think any of the Tenterden players or management will think they have improved that much in two weeks, to turn a four-goal defeat into a 0-0 draw. Anyone who was at the game will say that the conditions meant that football couldn’t be played, and no-one was ever going to score because it was difficult enough to get the ball anywhere near the goal, let alone try and beat the goalkeeper. Having said that, we did have a few chances which, on another day might have gone in. James Brooke hitting the woodwork three times, Simon King twice, and only Royston Gough knows how ‘that’ header managed to go over the bar from a yard out and a few inches off the ground!

 

Having watched the majority of the game from the clubhouse due to coming off with a back injury, I didn’t get a chance to speak to the players at any point during the game. What I would have told those who stepped up for the penalties at the end was “Well done… you have offered your services, and no matter what the outcome, no-one will blame you”. Ultimately the misses didn’t matter as we won, but to those people, well done. It is not easy to take that long walk, and even harder to hold your nerve… I should know, being someone who regularly has taken penalties in the past.

 

The job was done, although not in the manner we would have liked. Dave said he wanted a clean sheet and we gave him one. It wasn’t a surprise to see only a few spectators at the game today, and I don’t blame you! But thank you so much to those who did brave the elements, and despite there being no goals in normal or extra-time, I hope we still entertained, bearing in mind the conditions.

 

Thank you also to Liz Fairclough for the ‘nursing’ she gave me during the second half, and to those who also helped and offered words of support. I’m still in a lot of pain and discomfort at the moment, but I’m sure lots of rest will help.

 

Come On The City

 

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So, the run of bad form is over! Having listened to many people over the past week, anyone would have thought that we had gone on a run of defeats. Some of the negative comments regarding last week’s performance have been unjustified as well as very upsetting.

 

It’s funny how positive people can be when we are winning, but as soon as there as a blip, and that’s what it was, they become very negative. It was ONE game! Today, the same group of players – with a couple of additions – went out and played an amazing game and rectified all that went wrong last week. The first half performance was arguably our best period of play this season, as every time we moved forwards we looked like we were going to score.

 

Although we have not had any problems scoring this season, I think our attacking play has improved so much over the weeks and at times our opposition just cannot deal with it (although one of Tenterden’s centre-halves certainly had his own ideas yesterday, much to Calum McGeehan’s disappointment) ! It is important, however, that it doesn’t become a free-for-all. Being an attacking player, I know how enjoyable it is to score and am understandably disappointed when I don’t. I can honestly say, though, that I never put myself before the team by trying to score when others are clearly in a better position, and I feel this is reflected in my play.

 

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter who scores as long as we get the desired result at the end of the game. This is something that needs to be remembered by all. By the end of next month we will have played two-thirds of our league matches and could well be on 40 points. This will be a massive achievement and is certainly our target. We demand nothing less than the best, and we strive to improve all the time. If we can go into the new year sitting comfortably at the top of the table we will be in a very good position going into the remaining nine games. This, along with the prospect of reaching the latter stages of the cup competitions.

 

I finish this week’s report with a special mention for Steve Williams. I wish him all the best in his work abroad and hope he has a great time. No doubt he will stay in touch with club, and we will be in contact with him regularly. I sincerely hope we see him again towards the end of the season to reap the rewards of any successes we may have because he has played his part in what we have achieved so far. Good luck Steve!

 

 “Come on the City!”

 

 

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 Saturday 17th November 2007

 

 

At no point did anyone at Canterbury City say we would never lose. We set out to win every game this season and felt that we had a squad good enough to remain unbeaten, but we are not arrogant enough to believe that we are unbeatable. Any such talk only came from those outside the club who believed that was what we thought, hence why they always raise their game against us - to try and prove that we are not invincible, even though we never said we were.

 

Today’s defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. Although we have just lost our first competitive game out of twelve, it was difficult because of the way we lost. I am not going to start criticising everything about us, because for the past eleven weeks I have said nothing but positives, and it would be wrong of me to stop now. There were a number of reasons why we lost today that we could spend a long time discussing, but I think ultimately it came down to Woodstock’s best performance of the season coinciding with our worst, and if we are honest resulted in them playing us off the pitch.

 

It was once said about the great baseball player, Babe Ruth that he either hits big or misses big. This is often the case with top performers, and today we missed big. Everything that has gone right so far this season went wrong today, and it’s difficult to say why. Our preparation before the game was no different; it was the same group of players and we set out to play the same style of game. Sometimes things just don’t go for you. I don’t think anyone can honestly say they were at the top of their game, and if you have a number of players below par you cannot expect to play well collectively.

 

Like I said, I am not going to criticise anyone or anything. The only positive we can take from this weekend is that APM Mears also lost against Otford, meaning that Otford are now second and our ten point lead has only been reduced to nine points. Our excellent start to the season put us in a position where a defeat would mean we were still top (although we would obviously have preferred not to). Even if Otford win their two games in hand, we will still be three points clear, and with a far superior goal difference. So it’s not all doom and gloom. I know everyone feels down, because it is the first time we have tasted defeat in a competitive match but we now need to pick ourselves up again and come back with a bang next week.

 

Another week’s hard work in training to put right the wrongs and I am certain we will be back to winning ways again very soon. Thank you for you continued support. It was good to see so many of you at the game again, and hopefully this minor blip will not put you off. See you all next week.

 

“Come On The City!”

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Sometimes you win games and you don’t play well. This is often the case with teams who win the league. A lot was said after today’s game about the poor second half performance, but ultimately we won the game and we won it by scoring five goals.

 

As much as we want to win every game by a convincing scoreline, playing attractive football, sometimes it’s just not meant to be, and that was certainly the case today. It’s good to see that we are playing more attacking football in the first half, and had my shot not hit the post we would have been one-nil up inside two minutes. It didn’t prove costly though as we went in at half-time with a three-goal advantage.

 

I think the performance in the second half was a result of the team slowing down a bit, and taking the foot off the gas. This allowed Saga back into the game, and they possibly could have turned the deficit round more than they did. I mentioned in a previous log that we need to finish teams off, and I don’t think that really happened today. The plan for the second half was to go out and keep a clean sheet, and then push on to score a few more goals. Although the goals came, it was disappointing to concede, as I know the defence pride themselves on not conceding.

 

Some of the passing became quite sloppy, we lost our shape at times, and the communication was virtually non-existent. I don’t like being critical, especially when I am not on the pitch, but if we are to preserve our unbeaten record and win the league, we have to set high standards and then maintain them. What a great position to be in though. We’ve just won a game 5-1, the opposition barely got a look-in, and we are not satisfied. That’s what I love about the players and staff at this club. Everyone is striving for perfection, and until there is nothing we can do to improve, there will always be things we can work on.

 

We will tighten up on a few things at training this week and prepare ourselves for next Saturday in a game that could prove difficult. Woodstock Park will want revenge for their defeat earlier in the season, so will certainly raise their game again. We will need to be alert and will have to work extremely hard to win. So to conclude, today the job has been done and it is another three points. We are almost halfway through our league games already, and we are still unbeaten, and could well have extended our lead further by the end of this month.

 

“Come On The City!”

 

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The switch to Friday night for the Kent Junior Cup game against Whitstable Taverners could have proved difficult. Playing on a different day, at a different time, on a different pitch – all factors that could have proved tricky. It was not the case, though, as the players hardly came out of second gear to overcome the opposition. That’s not to take anything away from Whitstable Taverners. They worked hard and at times forced us into of errors, but in the end the difference once again was the quality in depth of our side.

 

At times some of the players looked tired, but I suppose that can be expected after a day at work and without the usual Friday night’s sleep and Saturday morning rest. Nevertheless it was a satisfying result, with the most impressive factor being yet another clean sheet. A solid defensive display by the back five, including another assist from Danny Black, was, for me, the biggest positive factor from the game. Again, it was great to see so many people at the match, so thank you for your support. I hope you are enjoying the season as much as we are and continue to show your support through the colder and wetter months!

 

Some players are now starting to cement places in the team. Justin Hodge is looking immense in defence.  I can’t see any striker ever giving him the run-around. Danny Black has conceded only three goals all season, none of which were his fault, and has produced an array of top-class saves at crucial times.  James Brooke commands excellently from central midfield and although the defensive side of his game is his strongest, his attacking play is improving all the time. He is starting to find himself in more advanced positions.

 

Sam Baker has had a great start to the season, solid in defence and unstoppable when running with the ball. Willy Herron, who came in late to the squad, has had some outstanding performances at left back. He is a very solid defender whose distribution of the ball is excellent. Luke Lockhart, who also came into the squad near the end of pre-season, has hardly put a foot wrong and his communication to others is a massive benefit.

 

By writing about those players, I am not discounting the rest of the squad. The results so far have been a product of a squad effort, and everyone has played their role. Some players have had more time on the pitch than others and at times frustration amongst those less fortunate is understandable, but to those people I give this message: work hard in training; keep enjoying football; stay positive, and in those moments you do have on the pitch, show the management why you should be playing more. It’s easy to have a moan behind people’s backs, but from someone who hasn’t played 90 minutes yet this season, believe me every squad member is valued and everyone will get their chance. Just bide your time and do the business on the pitch.

 

“Come On The City!”

 

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A good response

 

There was a bit of a subdued atmosphere at the ground before the game against Otford United today, and it took a while for everyone to get going in the warm-up.  Who could blame us though after the events of last week?  We knew we would be up against a good football side, a team who were clearly here to play the game the way it should be, and things could have been very difficult for us.

 

Like last week we started very well, dominating a lot of the possession in the first 20 minutes, and were probably unfortunate not to go in at half-time at least one goal to the good.  We always knew though that our fitness would be good, and with the quality on the bench I think we always had the upper hand.

 

It wouldn’t be a complete Captain’s Log of I didn’t mention Danny Black… but this week it is for different reasons!  He didn’t have a lot to do in goal today, mainly just clearing up and moving the ball on.  And didn’t he move it on!  A huge kick on the hour cleared everyone, and Wayne Fittall latched on to it and lifted it over the goalkeeper.  So Danny… great pass!

 

A new man-of-the-match for me today.  Someone who came back into the starting line-up and showed us how much we missed his presence last week.  Justin Hodge won every header and nothing got through him – he was like a wall!  I suppose he needed a good game, bearing in mind he was playing for Otford last season!  Nice one Justin, you were solid today!

 

I think the lesson to be learnt from today’s game is that we must turn our possession into goals.  We had the ball for long periods but didn’t really create that much.  This was due to a few reasons.  Firstly we played against a well-organised defence who were hard to break down, but when we did manage to get through them, at times we were a bit guilty of holding on to the ball for too long.  It is important to get your head up and see if someone is in a better position.  There was always a possibility that they could have snatched an equaliser at the death, and if it wasn’t for a solid back-line they may have done so.  We need to make sure that when we gain the initiative we don’t let teams back into the game again by finishing them off.  That said, it is a learning curve, and we will develop as individuals and as a squad, and I’m sure we will have many more positive results.

 

I want to take this opportunity to say well done to Otford United, as it is not easy to be so friendly after a game you have just lost.  Everyone who was with you conducted themselves in the perfect manner and were all a credit to the club.  I look forward to the return fixture.

 

“Come on the City!”

“Things can only get better” is a common saying in football, and if that’s the case then I can’t wait for the rest of the season!  So far we have come up against two very physical teams, and still managed to stick to our game plan and not get caught up in any personal battles.  For that I must congratulate every player in keeping their discipline and playing in a very professional manner.  This is something we must continue to do in order to get success this season.

 

Secondly I must also congratulate Wayne Fittall for obvious reasons!  To score six goals so quickly is an amazing achievement, and I only hope that his run of form continues because all the while you have someone in your team scoring 30-plus goals a season, you are going to be pushing for honours… although Wayne, the next penalty is mine!

 

Although Wayne’s performances have been outstanding so far, for me it has been the contribution of another player that has been just as important, but often goes unnoticed.  Goalkeeper Danny Black has conceded just one goal in the last four games, and that goal he stood no chance with.  He commands his defence well and the opposition seldom look like scoring when he is there.  Well done Danny, keep it up!

 

I have just read on the forum that we had more supporters than most Kent League teams, and even some Ryman Premier League teams!  Thank you so much for your support.  We never imagined that the team would generate so much interest but it is great to see you all there.  I enjoy having a chat with you and listening to your comments, so don’t be afraid to approach us and tell us what you think.  Keep on supporting us, we love you being there, and we promise to deliver the football you hope to see.

 

My final comment is to everyone in the squad.  We have a large squad, we need a large squad and you will get your opportunity.  Some people have played more than others but this should not be a reason to be upset.  Everybody loves playing, that is why we have been selected in the squad.  Just keep working hard in training, and take your chance when your opportunity arises.  Keep on smiling, keep enjoying yourself and the rewards will come your way.

 

And finally… “Come on the City!”