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END OF SEASON 2005-2006 The end of another season, my 6th involved with the Ravens and we can definitely say we have made great strides in many ways when comparing to last season. This season’s team has been able to compete in every match in which we have played. We have matched Cadburys, Phoenix and Coleshill. All teams who we would have dreaded playing against in the past. It is no coincidence to me that the beginning of this year saw only minimal changes to the squad. In the past we have lost players at the end of the season for various reasons. This makes it very difficult to build on what we have done as I have to spend the close season trying to fill gaps that people have left. We managed to hold on to our key players and added strength to certain areas to improve us for this seasons battle. An undoubted success story has been the addition of Steven Hannaford. Ryan was a tremendous goalkeeper for us for 5 years but I always wanted him playing out, as I felt this was he real strength. In Steve we found an excellent replacement and Ryan’s addition to the midfield made us stronger their too. Another addition was Jack Foster. Jacko came to us on the back of a long break from football due to surgery and he used pre-season to ease his way back into things. Jack picks things up at an amazing rate and by the mid to end of season he was performing to a level that surprised even me. If anyone ever wants to know how to conduct yourself when you are not always in the team then go and spend half an hour with Jack as he has been a credit to himself and an asset to the squad. The other addition was Dayle. Dayle has fitted in so well and it has been remarkable how he has developed in his 1st season in football. The most pleasing aspect of this season for me has been the emergence of one or two of the “older” players. At times in past seasons we have questioned whether certain lads were playing for the team or their own benefit. This season has seen these lads become a part of the bond that the team has developed. I see 11 or 12 lads now who walk out on to that pitch for Olton Ravens and not themselves. That has made a great difference to team spirit and performances. Training has been conducted to a very high standard and I and some of the parents have found ourselves shocked at how good some of the football is that we play at times. There was a 20-minute spell in the Coleshill home match when everything clicked into place and everything we worked on over the years all just clicked. We were untouchable. That is the standard we are trying to reach. Under 13s is always an interesting age as this season and next is where the very best players start to show up more clearer as the slightly lesser talents struggle to keep up. I have seen 3 of our player’s develop so much in the past 12 months. They have become fantastic talents and they have pushed our team to a new level. Sadly, but as expected 1 or 2 lads have stood still to a certain degree on where they were 12 months ago. This is just the age and not through lack of effort from any individual. 2 seasons ago I put plans in place that Under 14s would be the year that we really have a go at winning the Division. We have improved so much and looking at the teams we will be playing next season in Division 1 I think this is our best chance to ever achieve something great. To do this I think we need to strengthen the team in 3 positions and I am already working on bringing in 2 or 3 lads. Obviously I am hoping that I hold on to all of our key players so that these additions make us stronger. At the end of every season we have lost at least 1 player so I do not doubt that a couple of lads will go elsewhere to seek more regular football. Our squad of 14 has been a nice size this season but it still leaves 2 or 3 subs each game. As you all know we do not rotate. We pick our best team to win each game and that will continue next season. I will be happy to give anybody an honest answer on how much I think they will play next season and if that means people moving on then I would only wish them well. All in all I am
happy with the season we have had and the development of the player sand the
team. I still get frustrated with games that we throw away.
There were only 2 teams better than us in our division this year. We
can only blame ourselves that Hanbury and I look forward to next season with great optimism. If we keep key players, add in the right areas and continue to improve it will be our best season yet. Anybody who was at the Final Phoenix game will know that everything I have written is true. The guts, team spirit and desire was there for all to see. Many thanks to Billy (Physio), Rachel (Coach/Linesgirl) and Roger (Sponsorship) and to everybody who has helped out and supported the team. It’s been a good effort this year boys. Well done and I will see you at the bottom of the steep Elmdon Hills for Pre-Season. Ha ha Steve
Squad
Steven
Hannaford
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League Table End of Season
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