So we finally heard officially yesterday that season 2019 / 20 has come to an end... In fact, to be fair, it never happened as all the results have been expunged and everything is as it was at the end of last season...
Except it isn't ! The results may have gone but the performances with their highs and lows will live on.
It is a very long while since I enjoyed a season as much as this one ! The club has come through it's dark days and is now in an extremely strong position - although we could do with more help behind the scenes, but so could every club at our level! If you can help on a regular basis please let us know...
At the time of closure we were 4th in the league and had some excellent cup runs and the spirit around the club was the best I have known.. This may be in part down to the aforementioned dark days but I think it more down to the people involved with the club.
The dressing room spirit of the players in both sides has been enormous and I cannot praise them enough for their attitude! They are there because they want to be and a happier livelier bunch I have not known. It is a shame that their records do not stand officially but they do in the minds of those who watched them (and yes in my club records too!)
And I have NEVER known a season like this one for injuries! Absolutley horrendous! but thankfully the players have come through it and we will be stronger than ever next season.
The Management... Mat came in at the start of the season and linked up with Jason and the partnership grew and flourished and as someone who worked very closely with both of them it was a real privilage! They always gave me what I needed and accepted what couldn't be done and we have built a strong bond .. Gentlemen it is a pleasure.. and let's not forget Beth either. Beth has been busier that any physio I have ever known and throughout the whole thing her professionalism and attitude has shone through. Thank you Beth..
The Development side had their struggles, but players stuck with it and we must never forget the roles that Chris Hicks and Shane Mathews played in getting it going.. Thank you gentlemen !
And so we move on.. Hopefully!!
Who knows how long these surreal times will be with us with no sport, social distancing and the awful affects of this virus. But move on we will and with Mat and Jason running the two adult sides and Rachel and Simon running the youth Shortwood is in a good place.
I will post developments as I get them but it is reasonable to assume that as the massive reorganisation has been put back a year things will be pretty much as they were as far as our level of football is concerned.
I see one club from the ~Helenic Premier has gone already so the make up of the leagues will be interesting ..
Watch this space..