The first opportunity to catch up with our Vets team management team, and it’s thanks to Ryan Parsons for his time this week.
An excellent season last season. Was it as expected?
“I wouldn’t say we expected to win the league as comfortably as we did but we knew that we had a very strong squad and that anything other than winning the title would have been disappointing. We won a lot of games comfortably, but we did face a couple of tough tests along the way.”
Looking forward to the new season?
“Yes, we are all looking forward to the new season in the league above. The fixtures are not out yet, but it will likely be starting in the 2nd week of September. We have 2 friendlies planned on the 24th and 29th August, against Row (Hartley Wintney FC) away and Ascot United away. Due to players work/family commitments we don’t train. Fortunately, most of our lads keep themselves in good shape anyhow.”
Do you expect the higher division to be much tougher?
“It will be tougher, and we are fully aware that we will need to be at the top of our game consistently to be one of the challengers. We are now one season together and having that same core group as last season, plus a couple of additions to strengthen, then we stand a good chance. We expect teams like Thame, Abingdon and Didcot to be strong as they have a lot of players in these sides that we played against whilst at WEFC in previous years, so we are aware of the quality they possess.”
You had a large squad last season, is that something you plan or want for the new season?
“I think it’s key to have a large squad, as most vets’ teams do. It’s always hard to keep the same team/squad together every week because of outside priorities, so to be able to call on players at the drop of a hat is vital. To be fair to the squad we had last season, I had to ask last minute favours quite a few times!”
Are you and Joe going to be part of that squad and are fit and raring to go?
“Yes, we are both going to sign on and in an ideal world we would both love to run it from the sideline, but it’s hard controlling injuries and absentees so we regularly have to step in.”
Vets home matches will be played at Stag Meadow and on what night of the week?
“That’s correct and our games are on a Wednesday night at 19.45.”
