Winshill Green Under 9 - Mid-season report

So back in August I decided to take on a Winshill Under 9's football team - it wasn't an easy decision if I am honest - my workload is heavy, and it would mean taking Persephone away from her current team to play for a 2nd team - something which she wasn't too keen on doing - but pressure from the club mounted, there were too many "new" players who were good enough to be in a side and my love of football saw me capitulate and I said YES - and thus began my official life as a Winshill FC manager.

Here follows - for the sponsors benefit (honest) - a half-time report!



My association with Winshill FC officially goes back to 2010/2011 when my step-son, Alessandro signed for Winshill and played under John Grangier - every season since then 1 or in some cases BOTH of my children have pulled on that famous yellow jersey.

August

So starting a new football team - what would I need - players, kit, balls, skins, ball pump - the list was and is endless! Oh and I needed an assistant.

The players situation was relatively easy - we had Persephone of course and also a number of players who have been training for a good while and a core of a team we definitely had. By the end of August - transfer deadline day being 31st August :) we had our 9 players - some more raw than others, some pretty talented individuals but collectively the raw ingredients for making a great team.

Kit was on order and we'd raised money via Top 100 for our jackets (see photo below) Assistant Steve Watson was appointed on an initial two season contract and our first friendlies played with great success I might add - this managerial lark was quite easy - surely we'd walk the league?

Neil Frankland represented sponsors T100 at a pre-season tournament

September

So September came and league football - well it wasn't as we'd planned as our first game ended in defeat.

v Outwoods Hawks (2-6)

The following week though saw us successfully win (3-2) an awesome comeback by the team which delighted both the fans and managers alike... was this victory the beginning of a great run? - not so we suffered disappointing (1-8) defeat the following week v Newhall Lions.

October

What was going wrong? Beddows sat up most nights questioning his tactical decisions - was it down to him or down to his assistant Watson? They began October in the same way we ended September v Albert Village Harriers (0-5)

But then 3 wins in a row followed.

v Doveridge (4-3)
v Repton (4-2)
v Hilton Harriers Blue (4-0)


November

Could we continue winning? We yes but we had a sight blip early on. Losing (0-2) to Hatton United Red but then we won 3 in a row again.

v Outwoods Kestrels (5-1)
v Doveridge (4-0)
v Melbourne Lions (5-3)

December

Due to the cold weather and postponments we only had 1 game which was ironically against our first opponents Outwoods Hawks - score 1-1 - progress definitely made.

January

We began January with a disappointing 5-1 defeat against AFC Chellaston Hawks.

Top 100 and another sponsor, Winshill Parish Council on the jackets - THANK YOU Top100

Players L-R, Ben, Persephone, Dejaun, Natan, Zuza, Archie, Jakub, Maiciej

Players L-R Persephone, Lucas, Ben, Dejaun, Natan, Archie, Jakub, Zuza

Upcoming fixtures:

v Doveridge (13th January 2018)
v Outwoods Hawks (20th January 2018)
v Hatton United Red (27th January 2018)

Player reports

1. Jakub - a solid goalkeeper who also likes to play outfield. His highlight of the season so far without doubt was his hat-trick in 10 minutes that he scored to win us the game v Doveridge.

11. Natan - very good feet - runs with the ball very well and scored some excellent goals this season including the first goal in Winshill Green history. His dad is the assistant and I am sure he will agree with me in saying decision making is his area to work on.

12. Archie - a good little player who has made good improvements as the season has gone on - scored a good goal v Melbourne.

14. Lucas - very intelligent player and very versatile, he has played in goals, in defence, in midfield and up front - I personally think he will develop into a defender ultimately - scored a goal on his Winshill debut earlier this season and was outstanding in our game against Hilton Harriers.

15. Ben - one of our most reliable players, very quiet but his no nonsense approach to defending and his brilliant attitude to absolutely everything is a real credit to him.

16. Zuza - she is brilliant - initially we played her in defence but have latterly moved her to striker. Her work rate is exceptional and she has made great strides in her football development - she has scored 2 great goals as well including a late consolation today.

17. Maciej - a very good footballer - he has scored some great goals this season and drives the team forward from the middle of the park - adept wherever we play him - although need to be more disciplined :)

18. Dejaun - another no nonsense defender who can also play a bit - sometimes tries to do skills though when he is the last man :) - another strong player who was Neil Frankland's (one of the sponsors) choice as Captain when he came down to watch us play earlier this year.

19. Persephone - my daughter - and as a parent manager you always worry if you child will merit their place in the team - I am happy to say ability wise she definitely does - top scorer and most assists across the team so far - moment of the season arguably her first half hat-trick v Repton.  Attitude and work rate need to be better though sometimes - its tough managing your kid! lol.

20. Hassan - a recent addition to the team - very good on the ball and he has scored a few goals already - still a lot more to come from him I feel as we know how good he is in training!