Well, here we are again, April and a summer of misery as I have to do housework on a Sunday morning. For this piece, I thought I would write a season's summary from  my own perspective, sort of a dad's eye view of things from the halfway line. It is a season that has been remarkable in lots of ways, we lost both cup ties without really challenging, but have shown such phenomenal  determination in league games and truly deserve our unbeaten record as we head into the Walsham game as champions.

I think what's been so wonderful this year is the way we have become more tactically aware, (offsides are part of the game and in football sometimes you have to be effective first), the way we have patiently played our way through people and the way we have listened to the coaching from the sidelines, my own included, and executed simple but effective things well. I've lost count of the times I have heard and used the word width this season, and seen some of our best play when we have slowed and broadened the game.

But it's more than that, its about the respect that the boys show Mark and Dave in carrying out these assignments, in playing out of position sometimes when needed, about playing with injuries without complaining when we are short, and about communicating with each other. 11 have become a team unit, and that is hard to beat.

So I thought I would write a few comments about all the boys this year, a sort of web version of an end of term report. I hope you enjoy it all, it will follow below soon

Finally, I cant sign off without talking about the ladies and their wonderful support on financial, social and catering issues. Wonderful spirit and a credit to Mark and Dave's efforts.

Barry

April 08

Sam. Great improvement this season, has grown quite literally in the role. Better all round, consistent with his kicking, and some truly wonderful reflex saves.

Oli. Wonderful season Oli, defends resolutely, joins the attacking phases with real passion and passing has become more and more accurate. Tackles like a tiger and heads the ball like a guy a foot taller.

Ollie. Stronger, fitter, reads the game better than ever, heads the ball better than anyone and still full of ***t

Tris. Unsung hero. Always there, always breaking the play up and winning the 50-50 ball. Has got better in the air and more patient and accurate with his passing. Head must be made of concrete judging by the whack he got in the Whitton game

Els. Mr consistency. Organises the line with metric precision, relentless stamina and lets the opposition know they get nothing free. Clearly developing the capacity to engage with arguments with many people at once on and off the field, and win them all !

Harry. Mr Solid, always covers his assignment with an un-fussed approach. Good in the tackle, astute with his passing and with superb positional sense.

Will. Has played with an injury all season but has never complained. Has transformed himself into a great striker this season coming off the bench to bag a number of key goals. Could literally play anywhere in the side and do a good job

Dan. Our dependable Mr width. Does the simple things well, passing is excellent, like Oli heads the ball like a guy much taller and has become very aware of defensive responsibilities this season, covering for others and giving the team great shape

Jack. I call him Psycho, you work out why ! Totally committed, high energy, relishes a tackle and has matured as the season has gone one. Has been unlucky not to have scored more goals. Refs love him, they seem to talk to him a lot....

Alex. Quietly imposes himself without any fuss, in a number of positions, and does the simple things really well, first time every time.

Robbie. Mr Mileage. They used to call this the "every blade of grass" player. Has dropped back into midfield this year and is simply at the heart of everything good that we do. If I had to bet my life on who has run the most miles per game this season, Robbie is # 1!

Craig. A bit of culture with that left foot..... Gives us balance width and quality on both flanks, takes a mean dead ball kick and his finishing is clinical when he gets in the right position

Tom. Another play anywhere man. Tom has played midfield, left back and centre forward in the same fixture this year, loves to get stuck in up front and happy chasing down the channels putting pressure and forcing the play into the other half. Never any fuss, always gives 100%

Charlie. Sublime first touches are Charlie's strength, bring the ball down like Berbatov at times. Has created loads of opportunities with his unselfish play and deserves more credit than his goals tally provides.

Josh. A goal machine. After a steady start has  got sharper, fitter and simply better and better in front of goal. Excellent in the air, pacy and penetrative up front, can play alone

at the front with equal effectiveness. A real handful, and a real striker !