“It ain’t half been a funny old year I can tell you… with the lows just as massive as the highs. If the end of the season had come at Christmas I can honestly say I think I would of called it a day (sorry to disappoint you all but I’ve changed my mind), as I was becoming incredibly dejected and despondent with our underperformances, lack of bottle at times and more importantly the teams general attitude pre and post match.That was until a niggly match away at Spexhall, where we fought like lions against a stunned home team side who witnessed a Roukes Drift - Zulu style battle which culminated with Adam Bird firing home a rocket from 30yards (which coincided with me shooting in my pants, for your information), and like that a weight was lifted off the team, and the spirit of the champion side of 05/06 began to return.
At the start of the season the frustration of dropping points to sides we are quite simply better than, has not overshadowed the success we have enjoyed since the festive period but it must make us think about next year and force us to exercise our demons, as had we not dropped 5 points against Oxford Arms, 4 against Sole Bay, 4 against C.D.S and 3 points against Waveney (all games in which we blew it one way or another) we would have been 6 points clear in 3rd place, can you imagine what that would have done for our confidence when we faced the top sides. We need to start to believe!
Well as you can see I’ve slipped into yet another rant (poor Vicky, now you know what she has to put up with), So I’m going to take this opportunity to give the players a praise sandwich… that’s basically two bits of positive information with a little negative delicately slid in the middle, so subtly that you don’t know I’m taking the piss or having a moan (for example, Hi Rob your hair looks nice, By the way you’re sub, Nice tan have you been on Wayne Normans sun bed. See it’s easy.)
The Positives… Gavin Hunt made a long awaited return to the club following 2 years out through injury making his full Saturday debut in that match at Spexhall, it’s great to see him playing again and showing real commitment to the club. Adam Goldspink after making a slow start has really made an impact at the back coming on leaps and bounds even with one eyebrow (shaved off on our tour of Bratislava in Feb) and Neil Banks who missed 8 weeks of the season through suspension (damage limitation).
The Negatives… Two big ones for me, were the loss of two Pot Black Legends, Michael Adjaye who moved away to London to pursue a career in I.T and body popping and Kurt Mansbridge who moved to C.D.S Waveney Res for regular football, two good friends who will always be a part of our club.
More Positives… For me and I’m sure the lads will agree, there were two real highlights this year that meant the world (against our two arch rivals) taking 6 points off a smug Kirkley side completely out playing them in the process and beating Waveney at home after our post-match scuffle in the first encounter, that was so sweet.
With those happy, happy thoughts in mind, and a relaxing summer imminent, I’m off to the Paget to get my Liver flushed in preparation for the Presentation night, see you then.”
Danny McKinley
Manager
