Posted by Ex-Res Gaffer on April 25, 2008, 12:25 pm
62.171.194.5
As most of you know already, wednesday's game against New College was my last in a Corsham Town shirt. I just wanted to say a few things to mark the end of my 12 playing years at The Southbank (I apologise now if I miss anyone in my speech).
Firstly, I am not leaving because of the poor season we have had in the reserves. It is purely to do with my desire to spend more time with my family, improve my golf handicap and to see what is like to be able to walk on a Sunday.
My first thank you is to Mel Shaw. He has done a great job with a limited squad. I have the utmost respect for his determination to stick with and work with a core or regular players rather than look outside the area for a quick fix.
During my time at Corsham, I have played under some great managers. Locky was my first. Then came Godders, Trippy, Chris Jeffries and me of course (can you technically play under yourself?). It seems ironic that the first team has come full circle. In my opening seasons for the reds we had a club full of 'Corsham' players. Luke Chapman, the Fordys, Chipsy, Jonah, Blackers, Charlie, Shards etc etc. In fact I was the only real outsider. It is good to see Corsham making a great challenge in the Premier League of the Western League with a lot of homegrown talent.
There have been many highs and not many lows. Last years double winning season as player manager was exceptional. It is great to see many of those players doing well in the first this year. My goal at Welton in the last minute when we had 10 men sticks in the memory. Scoring a hatrick for the league side too. Even my low point turned into a high. Obviously the Chris Jeffries era was unsuccessful (he was a great bloke)but in the end we managed to save our western league status and the Godders era began.
Just before I end (dont want to break Frank Coleman's record - another great player that has featured in my 12 years) I just want to say a couple more things.
1. I am NOT going to manage the reserves next year. Please respect my decision and dont ask. Make sure it is sorted early this year as we have some exceptional U18s and U17s at the club along with the regular players. I hope those regulars continue - Justin, Jerry etc.
2. Get a plan in place for the next three years. Get the managers meeting every week to discuss players. Make sure we sign players who are prepared to play for the reserves when thay are not featuring for the firsts.
I will end now - im boring myself!!!
It has been a priviledge playing for the club and I wish you all the best in the future.
Rob
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