Gibson is also flying out to Copenhagen this year to oversee proceedings; along with Elite coach Robin Davis and U18 skipper Scott Davis. The Kronborg Cup takes place over three days, with the Elite in action over the Saturday and Sunday. The Cup is an U17 levelled tournament, so Gibson’s side will be playing a level up, something Gibson doesn’t see as too much a problem.
“The age group is not a problem, we are an U16 side in an U17 tournament, but some of these lads will face older opposition in the Ridgeons U18’s league, so this will be good practice. I’m not overly bothered on the progress through the competition, but it’s a real chance for some of them to stake a claim in the squad for the upcoming season. To be fair a few of them, they have knuckled down and really are making it hard to cut. But that’s their job and mine is there to be made harder for it. I’m looking forward to the tour itself, we have some really good things to do out there. Because of the way we have tweaked the set up, it’s going to be very much a football education, where I want the lads to experience the different cultures and ethics around football.”
The Elite will fly out Wednesday 3rd August and as soon as they touch down in Copenhagen, will get to see the sights of the city and the Parken Arena, home of FC Kobenhaven. Their training complex is located north of the city in Helsingor and has all the facilities needed for the Elite in their preparations. Gibson was already impressed by the set up.
“By the sounds of it, we have a tour coach to take us to the grounds and our sightseeing places, I think we are also going to Sweden too which will be good. The place itself we are staying at has a swimming pool, training facilities and buffet around the clock full of healthy eating food and drink. Over the back is the beach, so we will putting that to use for both work and pleasure!”
The Opening Ceremony for the tournament is on the Friday evening before the Elite’s find out their opponents on the Saturday and Sunday. The ceremony is to open the tournament, with an Exhibition game arranged in front of a sell-out crowd. A Denmark All-stars side will take on the Kronborg staff, with no other than Soham Town Rangers U18 manager Gibson, to feature in goal!
“Gavin Stevenson thought it would be an idea, seeing as I have experience of European football. All I signed up for was a crafty Carlsberg and some coaching, now I’m part of the main event! On a serious side though, I'm looking forward to it really. Chance to show the boys why I’m in every sense Number One!”
The squad fly back Sunday night and in the next 24 hours, Gibson is to cut his Under 18 squad to 22 players.