Our last catch-up with Under 18s Manager George Champion this week before a hard-earned post-season rest! It’s been an adventure since George took over the reins.
“I’m Really, really pleased. Pleased that we were able to work with, develop and progress these group of players. Pleased with the memories we have made with certain games since the turn of the New Year and pleased with the number of local players we have been able to promote from our teams in our Youth Section. We have achieved so much in the season, which we set out to do. Develop players, use the players we already have from our U15’s, U16’s and U17’s, and play a progressive and entertaining brand of football for our supporters and families watching.
As a management team we’re delighted to be at our new home and happy to have had such a warm welcome from the supporters and everyone at the club. The support from the people behind the scenes, from our two co-chairmen to our fantastic club secretaries, social media and programme team, all the match day staff and other coaches at the club… We have had such brilliant support from everyone and to that we say thank you.”
Have you met the objectives you set yourself, and the team when you sat down with them after you’d taken over?
“I think when we first arrived in December. We spoke about the desire to develop and progress players and play football that is entertaining for our supporters to watch. I believe we achieved that. Three players from our U16’s: Theo Newman, Henry Johnson and George Williams have been key staples in our squad, there have been some other players who’ve trained with us from the U15’s as well, which has been great to see them adapt and take those skills with them.
We have also had several players involved in the First Team set up. Charlie Reid made his debut since our arrival. Oli and our skipper Lucas have continued to shine with the First Team and have shown that there is a pathway for players if they put their mind to it. These are all things we will aim to continue to do next season to develop players from within the club.”
What would you put forward as the biggest achievement/positive this season?
“For me personally, it has been great to see the players buy into the intensity and standards that we have set them. Yes, it can always be difficult at times with a mid-season management change but overall, I am really impressed with the way the players have bought into our methods because this has a great positive knock-on effect for the pathway and overall team development.”
Any specific moment stand out for you?
“It’s got to be Markus Reisi’s last minute winner against Hanwell Town in front of a great home crowd. Wow. A rollercoaster of emotions that one, 3-1 up then 3-3 with one minute to go! Up steps Markus with a shot from outside the box. I don’t think I have ever managed a game like that.
The emotions and celebrations with that goal were phenomenal. I remember being in complete disbelief that the ball had gone in and then everyone was roaring with cheer. That is testament to Markus as a player and these group of players, that never give up attitude… that’s special.”
What message will you be giving to the players for the summer months and have you given any thought to next season yet, player retention/recruitment?
“Sadly, we will be losing a number of players from this squad as they will be too old to play U18’s football, and some of the lads are off to University. The lads that are eligible to play already know what they must work on both individually and as a team. I am sure most will come back with an attitude of positivity looking into the new season and wanting to maintain their place in the squad as well as securing that place in the starting eleven.
In terms of recruitment, we have upcoming trials where we will look to bolster the squad, but my main priority is to try and develop and progress as many players internally and to promote from within where we can.
We know that we have a great group of players that will be a part of our U16’s sides for next season so we will look to include some of those lads, particularly the ones that have been training with us towards the end of this season. We will be back in preseason training in July, shortly after the First Team start theirs. I have a great management team here with Mat, Mitch, Kit and Totti and we cannot wait to get going next season.”
