Somerdale Wanderers Under Tens ‘A’ Team 1996-97

Meet the Team

Josh Billsberry. Josh had a difficult time at the start of the season when he was sharing the position with Seb, but managed to get the confidence and the respect of the team and, since the withdrawal of Seb has made the position his own. Has had the occasional mishap (dropped balls, thinking they were going wide when they went in, etc.) but they haven’t been that many and indeed since the end of the season has been the star in two of the tournaments.

James Baker. James has not played as many games this season as we would have liked him to but has still made valuable contributions in the games that he has played in. Solid in defence with only the odd hand ball and own goal that has made James the scourge of Somerdale goalies.

Adam Britton. Adam was his solid self at the start of the season putting in his usual 120% in every game and going in as hard as a steam train. But things went wrong for his form come mid season and his interest and enthusiasm seemed to wane. With about ten matches to go he was moved from centre back to right back and everything seemed to click. Turning defence into attack with every clearance he has made a stunning come back.

Jason McCrossan. Jason made one of the poorest starts to the season that I have seen when he played against Bitton. He has however persevered with his game and training, and since that game has not stopped improving. His positional awareness, both for himself and when telling other players who to mark, coupled with his speed and ever improving skill on the ball, went to making him runner up for the player of the year vote.

Curtis Jack. Curtis has had an excellent year and has improved as a player throughout the season. Often I have heard criticism of Curtis that he isn’t doing enough, but I ask those people to compare what he has done to what others have done and I’m sure he is doing more. Has had dodgy games like the rest including an excellent own goal header against Bitton at the start of the season, and a lovely handball to give Whitchurch a penalty near the end of the season. Nevertheless, he richly deserved the Player of the Year.

Ian Field. Ian has had another wonderful season showing skill on the ball that at times was breathtaking. His only downfall is his size, and that will come in time making him one of the best players in Bristol. Never has a bad word for anyone, never moans and always wants to get on and play football. All of these attributes went towards making him my choice for the Mark Pearson Award as it has done for the last two years whenever I had thought about it.

Colin Stallard. Colin came to us almost as an afterthought, having already signed for North Bristol Colts. However, the Bath Arsenal tournament last year, (and some cajoling from me and his mother on the day) convinced Colin that Somerdale were the better team to play for and he duly transferred. This has been an excellent move for Somerdale as Colin can play in defence, midfield or upfront. His performance in the Somerdale tournament and in particular the game against Brislington which we had to win, will stick in my mind for a long time.

Nick Guest. Nick has played his own way throughout the season, much to the annoyment of many of the parents and myself at times. The word pass doesn’t enter into his head at times and it can be frustrating when promising attacks break down due to a lack of awareness of other players. On the other hand, some of our best moves have involved Nick and his surging runs down the right wing and I hope he continues to play the way he does. (Well, perhaps just the occasional pass).

Ashley Rowe. Ashley came to us halfway through the season and was placed in defence where I was reliably informed was the place he played. Ashley had other ideas however and has been a very useful utility player (except for the odd lapse of concentration) Has played well in goal for the last few games and then in the St Nicholas tournament, with all players seeming to lose interest, Ashley came on pitch and just ghosted past players at ease.

Liam Kavanagh. Liam has had a wonderful season, improving as a player, week in and week out. He capped off a marvellous season with a well deserved award for penalty taker.(Three excellent penalties) He has also been able to play in various positions when required and has done well in numerous tournaments. The link that he formed with Ian and Rich at the Swindon tournament, to take us to the semi-final sticks out amongst many good performances.

Wayne Green. Wayne has had a good season, popping up to score the odd goal and has played in many positions. His skill and judgement coupled with his ability to read the game and his nice manner has made Wayne a pleasure to watch and made him the only choice in my mind for the Sportsman of the Year award. The only drawback to Wayne is his size and pace, but that will come in time and he can only improve.

Luke Temblett. Luke has had an on and off season but has still improved his all round game. He didn’t score as many as we would have liked but his possession and his awareness of other players added to his ever improving distribution makes him an asset to any team as the holding front man. If Luke can get stuck into the tackles a bit more and doesn’t shy away from players bigger than he is, he will become an even better player and undoubtedly would score more goals. If only he would stay onside.

Richard Godsland. Rich is another of the new players to our team and has made a definite impact with lots of goals. He had the choice of Keynsham, Saltford or Somerdale and he made the right choice and has brought with him a pleasant manner and as I said earlier, lots of goals. His friendship with Nick can be confusing especially when it rains and I have to take off my glasses, they suddenly become very similar. Add that to the fact that Nick likes to get forward and it suddenly becomes “Good goal Rich….um Nick, er Rich, ahh whatever”.

Daniel Hunt. Danny is the last of the new boys to join us and again has made a very big impact. He started in midfield and scored goals, he then moved up front and scored more goals. He has the ability to score with both feet and the size to be able to deal with most defenders. He could occasionally try to be a bit more subtle (taking the ball around the keeper) and I am sure he would score even more goals. Danny can only improve which can only be good news for Somerdale.

Andrew Glover. Andrew has been in outstanding form all season, never making any mistakes and getting it right every time……… In reality, it has been a pleasure once again for me in this, my third season as manager. I continue to learn and it is all down to the boys and their enthusiasm and effort. I would like to thank Clive for all his help and advice…”Andy, you should do this, you must do that…….but you’re the manager” and of course all of the parents for their support, understanding and good humour throughout the season. Most of all though I thank the boys, for putting up with me, for doing as I tell them (occasionally) and for being such a pleasure to manage. On a serious note, I only ask that the boys do as I say, when I say. People might not think that I have much footballing knowledge, being still only 25, but when the boys play as I ask them to play, they play well. This is in some ways a reflection on me, but it’s mainly the boys and their effort, commitment and enthusiasm. Long may it continue.