August 07
Hi everyone, welcome to the Under 14s page.
It hardly seems possible but we are about to embark on our last season in the Junior Alliance and I’m sure given the strength in depth we’ve seen in this age group over the years that this season will be as competitive as ever.
Last year was very much a season of consolidation and trying to maintain our position in division 1, something the lads achieved comfortably after a strong second half to the season. In the end there was probably a hint of disappointment that we only finished 5th. There were a number of occasions where we dropped points in games that we were in control of but as any player will tell you, you don’t always get what you deserve in football! Putting the stats to one side, the most pleasing thing to come out of last season was the way our new signings, who had never played in the top division, adapted and proved to themselves that they could compete at a higher level. This certainly bodes well for the long term development of the squad and as a coach there’s nothing more pleasing than seeing the hard work the lads put into training coming to fruition on the pitch.
Again this season we have a number of new additions to the squad and I would like to extend a warm welcome to the boys and their parents. I hope you will all enjoy what Deeping Rangers has to offer both on and off the field.
Pre-season has been going well, the lads are working hard in training and have played some good stuff in the friendlies we’ve had. One or two may prefer it if we didn’t do so much running in training but now they’ve entered their teenage years the boys will quickly realise that they have to work that little bit harder to maintain their ‘natural athlete’ status! One plus point, I have managed to secure afternoon kick offs so they won’t have to curb their social lives too much, after all, staying up late for Match of the Day is part of growing up. (I’m assuming that’s what the boys mean when they say they had a late night!!) I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before the WAGS start turning up on the touchline and a couple of senior players have already got into the bling thing. In my day elastoplasts were used for cuts and bruises not to cover up your earrings!! (It’s official, I’ve become an old fuddy duddy)
Training will continue on Thursdays at the ground until the end of August before we move to our new slot at the astroturf, 8-9pm on Tuesdays commencing 4th September. The Deeping Tournament is on Sunday 2nd September and our final friendly is pencilled in for Thursday 6th September against the Under 15s. Just a reminder that our first game of the season on 9th September has been cancelled due to the number of people still on holiday so our first league match is away to Holbeach on 16th.
Best wishes and here’s to an enjoyable season.
Chris
U14s Squad Season 2007/08
Tom Thurston (capt), Dan Smith, Jak Hart, Alan Fountain, Jamie Mallett, Will Harris, Sam Linford, Matt Wright, Troy Waters, Tom Goodliffe, Ben Leisner, Jacob Peters, Tim Neal, Dan Woods, Dan Bandaranaike, Dan Lovesey.