A thought from last season..

[John@TheFleet]

Last season, I wrote a couple of articles for the programme that got published. I composed one for the end of season game against Northwich but never submitted it. I read it earlier and found much of it is relevant today so I'm posting a section as it was written in April.

 

"It has to be said, there have been some inspired signings and performances this season. It maybe unfair to single players out (it’s a team game, after all) but you have admit bringing players of the quality of big Chris Moore, Roy Essendoh, Andy Drury, Steve Perkins…….oh, the list just goes on, has had a massive effect on the club. Also, many players that remained from last season seemed to reach another level in their game. Steve McKimm in particular has more than earned the right to wear the captain’s armband in my book. Just look at the names on the back of the programme and you see quality: shed loads of it. I believe we are growing in stature in this league and we’re no longer everyone’s automatic choice as relegation fodder. With the players and staff that we presently have at the club and the Fleet Trust up and running, I believe we can only get better and stronger. If I had my way, I’d like to start next season with the same squad as we’re ending this one. Play-offs, here we come!!

 

Of course, it would be wrong not to end up by mentioning the most important people at any football club: us!! The Supporters! While the players have been doing the business on the pitch, we’ve been doing it on the terraces. Many times have I walked away from a game barely able to talk and I’ve not been alone. On more than one occasion we’ve totally out-sung the opposing supporters and it sounds and feels good! Can you hear the Dagenham sing?!! No? Exactly! However, there will be bad times ahead, there are for any club, and that’s when the quality of the support shines out. There will always be some who are never satisfied (apparently, there were a few people still moaning when we were 6-0 up against Morecambe!!) but when the team is not doing so well, that’s the time to resist getting on the players’ backs and really start to encourage them. It’s not always easy, granted, but maybe we could make a difference to a result, like Man. City’s fans did against Spurs. Even Kegan said they a major factor in one of the most remarkable come-backs of the season so it shows what supporter power can achieve. On which note, we could do with a few more behind the goal at the Plough End as well (if you can stand the drumming!) so join us and get those vocal cords into shape. You know it makes sense!"

 

 

That was from the 2003/2004 season. It's still relevant now. Chins up, people, we're going to be just fine.