Stamford Bridge Junior Football Club

Manager's report 2009-10 Season

Season Awards:

Player of the season: William Oldfield

Most Improved Player: Bevan Foster

Player's Player: Jermaine Tansey

Club Perennial Awards:

Nicky Culkin Award (Goal Keeper); Tom Lawson

As we reach the end of a wonderful season, the time has come for us to reflect on the past year's achievements. I have to say that both myself, Jez and Simon are immensely proud of the way the boys have applied themselves; their work rate and learning has been second to none this year. During the year we have worked on our skills and fitness levels. I make no apologies for working on basic skills every week, such as control and passing. Without these the rest of the game falls down. However, everyone has worked hard at these and all the other aspects of the game and this is reflected in the the manner in which we play our football. I don't think its too wide of the mark to say that our boys are the best football team in the league! our fitness levels have also improved; this was borne out as our run to the end of the season shows. Unbeaten and winning all but one from the end of November, including weekends with back to back games.

In fact now might be a time to consider our record this season. Just to remind you it reads; P22, W18, D2 L2, Goals For 104, Goals against 29. That by any stretch is a great record and is in itself testament to the team work and improvement the whole squad has displayed throughout the season. It is good to see the squad jelling well together as we welcomed for new players into the team. Our bonding got off to a great start as we went on a camp to Pickering early in the season. All those who went agree it was good fun, and the boys then went on to thrash Pickering 7-1, just one of a number of impressive performances. I should highlight a couple of players this year for the way they have suck at it all season and shown great improvements, these being Dan Sedman and Josh Robinson. They have been helped by the rest of the squad and in doing so out whole team spirit has benefited enormously. Big strides have been taken by one of our new boys, Elliot Beedle who by the ned of the season was turning into a real goal poacher.

So perhaps a little run through of the squad then! Tom in goal shows great promise. His routine goal keeping has come on leaps and bounds. In defence we have been fortunate to pick from 3 accomplished centre halves, Dan Wilson, Dan Price and Callum Willis. They have formed a rock solid base for the team. Dan W has also played at right back when Lewis Woardby was not available. This was greatly appreciated. Dan Sedman has also slotted in here and provided a steadying influence, either here or in midfield. No drama's! Lewis showed great promise on the right and Jermaine was solid on the left. Many thanks to Shaun for dropping in to that position when needed. Across the middle of the park we have talent in abundance. Width has been provided by Bevan, Dan Stones, James and Freddy's cultured left foot and it is refreshing to see that they have made many assists during the season. They have also chipped in with goals! Middle of the park saw the two Adams dominate the opposition regularly. Again both have contributed to and scored their own goals as well. Up front I've already mentioned Elliot. Shaun started with a hat-trick and Josh has regularly chipped in throughout the season. And finally Bill has been superb this season has really taken to the 11-a-side game, top scoring with 31 goals.

There were key results during the season: Our home match with York RI 29/11/0 is the first. We totally dominated the game against one of our closest rivals and oldest foes. The fact that RI were lucky to get nil is no exaggeration. We were on our game from the start and played and exciting brand of football as we know we can. Great result after being beaten in the last minute at Brooklyn the week before. RI were effectively knocked out of the race with our win. Our next great result and in the context of the season, the most crucial was at Home to Brooklyn (7/3/10). Once again we took charge of the game from the off and dominated. Brooklyn were our closest rivals at the time, & remained so to the end of the season, so this win was again crucial Finally, winning away at Thorpe (21/3/10) was a fantastic team performance - so much so that there was no single man of the match as the whole team deserved it. As I understand it we are the only team to have beaten Thorpe in 3 years and once again, it was our football that won the day, negating some, shall we say strong robust football from Thorpe. We fully deserved our win.

Part of the reason for the success the boys have attained has been down to the magnificent support shown by all parents. The trip to Thorpe was a classic case in point - the parents support was magnificent and it certainly makes the boys feel like they are appreciated for their efforts! The parents support was crucial last season and it will be important again for the coming season. Long may it continue and thank you once again. Whilst on the issue of thanks, All three of us would like to record our appreciation to James Ross for the work he has put in over the season, in between his studies and work, and congratulations on gaining his FA Coaching Badge.

So, a brief look forward to next season. Our position as runner's up means that we have been promoted into the first division. I have no doubt we can hold our own in this league as we have already shown. The boys do need to continue the hard work already shown, working on their basic skills as we start to introduce more team awareness. However, I have no worries about their ability. I will advise on the re-start to training - but we should be back first week in August and probably mid-week (Wednesday) evening.

Have a good summer, see you ready for the start of next season.

Dave, Jez, Simon

Trainer of the Week:

Each week one of the boys is rewarded with a small "Trainer of the Week" trophy. This is to recognize good behavior, a willingness to work, respect for his team mates and respect for the spirit of the 'Beautiful Game'. Work hard and make sure you are in for consideration of this most prestigious accolade!

Under 12s Calendar

We are now preparing for next season 2010/11 as under 12's in the top division of the Mitchell League. There will be 9 teams in the 1st division; in addition to us there will be York Cubs, Tadcaster Albion, Rufforth, Rawcliffe, Heworth, Poppleton Tigers, Easingwold and Thorpe Utd. In addition we will be entered into two cup competitions

Form downloads for signing on:

Club form	League Registration Form