Steves End of Season Thoughts

[Steve Newing]

Wow, I remember telling all of you at the members meeting back last summer prior to the kick off that I thought I had enough quality, desire and team spirit within the squad to mount another promotion challenge this term, it has been nice that the lads have proved me right.

 

Like any team we have had good spells and not so good throughout the campaign and I wonder how many of you thought my prediction was way off the mark after the early exit in the FA cup and then that awful night away at Thamesmead, when I felt as low as I have done in my time at the club.

 

That actually in my eyes was a turning point, we had not been playing badly up until that point but that defeat in the 7th league match of the campaign, meant we were sitting with a record of P7 W2 D3 L2 Pts 9.

 

The players were given a bit of a kick up the back side and from that point on they have been an absolute credit to the club. The continuity of having a settled squad really came to the fore. I only added Noel (back in late September), Tyler in late February and Danny Barber with 8 matches to go, losing only Joe Stevens and Johnny Moore either side of Christmas to the land of Oz and Daniel Ailey in early March to Brentwood.

 

Every member of the squad has had a major impact at some point in helping us achieve promotion with the main core of Noel, Jordan, Jay, Kirbs, Gio, Kendall, Rudi, Dean, Michael, Walid, Hopey, Leon and Gunz (who only failed to start one league match this term). Those alongside the recent signings of Tyler and Danny Barber plus Lee Allen, Dan Forward and Phil Kane (who all have had injury hit seasons that have prevented them playing more games) and finally Bryan Hammatt who came in and offered all his experience for the run in. I couldn't not mention the contribution of a couple of others who left the club early on both Rob and Stuart Blackburne who also played their part. Also the three others who left the club Mooro, Joe Stevens and Dan Ailey all played a part in our success. Plus spare a thought for Bards who has had his season virtually written off by two serious injuries. Plus Matt Davis who has been our number two goal keeper all season to both Rob then Noel and hasn't moaned at lack of games once.

 

Lads you have all been superb.

 

Our final 35 games with a record of P 35 W 25 D 6 L 4 Pts 81 with a points per game average of 2.31 was remarkable and in any other campaign would probably have seen us win the league (so hats off to Leiston).

 

To be fair going up via the plays offs, is a better feeling, however not good for the nerves. The extra time performance in the semi final the other evening against Grays when we really up against it will stand out for me as the best 30 minutes of the campaign. Not for the football but for the sheer grit and determination of the players not to be beaten.

 

My back room staff of Jason (been my mate since we were 8), Pete Hammatt and both Rudi and Bryan in their dual roles have been immense alongside Lauren who is as reliable a sports therapist as I have come across, plus Les in the changing room and Jack out there taking care of the playing surface, have all been instrumental in our success.

 

Ram and Barry and their staff for their commitment to the reserve and youth team set up, well done and thank you.

 

I know a lot of you always ask how Del is and I can assure you he is and always will be keeping an eye on how things are going, his agreeing to do that first season with me despite his health situation shows what a top bloke he is, without his support I probably would not have become manager here jointly for that first season and in my own right since.

 

Finally and most of all, the people I am pleased for the most are the board members and the supporters (who are all unpaid volunteers) who have got the club into its own ground only 11 years after its formation. You created this club and now gradually step by step the club can continue to grow at the right pace to keep it as a viable proposition.

 

What a season and here is looking forward to the next and the new challenges it will bring and the higher level.

 

See you on the 19th at the presentation evening.

 

Steve

 

[Southport - TOWNER]

What would you know??? LOL

 

Have you not read all these on-line managers!!

 

OMG - I still can;t believe we did it! A week on and NO NO NO, really? YES O my f88k we did it

 

THANK YOU!