Burton Grove 4-3 Brabourne
Ashford Eagles 2-1 Newchurch
Cavaliers back on track now need to build to clime back up the table
Squad told places will have to be won and starting team will change each week. No one is safe and competition is forever growing with us adding to the squad.
Even with Gomez making his cavaliers come back we were unable to win on the ice against newchurch . Both teams were keen to play as both had not played for over a month are selfs had not played for 2 months. We both played took the ice pitch and both found the conditions hard to play a passing game with the ball bobbling alot, With the weather getting worse we set are self for another long wait for a game.
After speaking to matt this evening (monday) he has told me that his surgary went well, matt said the surgeon fixed his knee rather than repairing it. matt has already lost his crutches and is doing physio as we speak, so all going well he will be available for selection at xmas. dale said "i beleive we have missed his strenghth and pace out wide, matt will give me more options on the wings or up front." we look forward to him joining the squad soon.
Dale received a message from goalkeeper Tommy early monday morning, stating that the injury he sustained in the match on sunday was alot more serious than first thought. Tommy was quoted as saying, "it's blown up like a ballon not sure if it's tendon damage or more serious. it is the same hand that i crushed seven years ago" Manager dale has already contacted joe and will hand (sorry Tommy) him his division three debut a week earlier than planned. Dale said " i was always going to play joe in the charity trophy game, so i have no hesitation in playing joe in the league a week earlier."
Statement from the Committee...
The new season will soon be starting and in order to make it enjoyable for all, especially Dale, it is vital that those that play on a Sunday are also involved in some of jobs envolved in order for you to play. The committee have decided that on the day certain tasks like; putting nets up and taking them down, corner flags, match fee's, cleaning changing rooms, sweeping outside changing rooms and locking changing room door once the teams have gone outside, will be given to players.
For example, forwards may be responsible for putting out the corner flags.
The idea of this is to free up Dale so he can concentrate on the game and prepare the team with a proper warm-up. Also so it isn't left to a select few to do all the work.
Cavaliers Need New Sponsor...
The team are after a new sponsor for this year, if you, or someone/company you know is looking to sponsor a forward looking Ashford team, then please let Gavin or one of the committee know ASAP.
Headache for Dale...
With the majority of the squad getting a run out today in the win over Brabourne, it will cause some headache for Dale.
Everyone played at least one half of the game, all trying to impress the manager without losing the team mentality he has built up in training. There were some good link-ups throughout the team enabling Dale to try a number of different formations, giving him more options for the coming season. It was all positive and will now add more pressure on him to choose eleven for the first game. Dale would like to thank everyone for the commitment shown today and long may it continue.
Statement from Dale
Due to many of you not being able to make the meeting on sunday, i have decided to write it on the website. i would like to start off by saying although last season was a success i am one to look forward to future victories, not revel in past glories, so from this moment last season now counts for nothing and we start all over again
I have had many players ask me recently if they will be playing this season, sorry but I'm not going to guarantee ANYBODY a starting place. although we had a good squad last year, i feel this year we have a better one. Matt gomez and cookie have obviously re-joined us from the 1st team and they are joined by Duncan and Paul. At present we have a couple of new signings, giving me a squad of 20 to choose from. As with last year i feel all players that sign and fight for their place will be needed at some point, as many of you work sundays, we're going to get injuries and maybe suspensions, and we all have commitments we have to fulfill. Obviously people will be disappointed if they don't start, quite rightly, but with the group of players i now have any of you can start, and I've got options when it comes to making changes. what i don't want is for people to sulk (we are all grown men) as i feel this would be disrespectful to whoever is in the starting 11, as i have said all of you are good enough to start without weakening the side. i do understand that many of you just want to play football, but as I've mentioned to a couple of you I'm trying to re build Cavaliers and get them back where they belong(the premier division) I hope what I've said, you all understand and try and see it a little from my point of view. In the short of it, I have a good squad of 20 players, i can't play you all at the same time, but i will try and give you all a fair chance. we are in 4 cup competitions, so everybody will get a chance to play, it's upto you if you take your chance.
I will be doing the same as last season and texting everybody on a thursday reference the coming sunday's game. Please let me know during the week if you are unavailable. Please don't tell me the previous sunday after the game while I'm paying the ref, filling out the matchcard, collecting subs etc, as I'll forget. Thanks
I am a great believer in team spirit and feel that helped us to win the double last year. In the cup final, 2-0 up then pulled back to 2-2, we could of folded, but didn't. also three league games that stand out. Brabourne away (1-0 down with a minute to play, won 2-1) Highfield away (2-1 down with 10 minutes to play, won 3-2) and Bliby away (2-0 down with 5 minutes to play, drew 2-2) So i ask you all as last year, to do everything as a team, nets up and down, get changed (please be on time) warm up and go down the pub after games, all as a team.
I am so far pleased with the turn outs at training, hopefully this will continue throughout the season, as this is perhaps one area we could improve. I make a big effort to make training on a tuesday night, traveling from Maidstone, and to be honest sometimes i felt i was wasting my time. I understand people have to work etc but i feel some people could make more effort. Thanks
This may sound like I'm moaning already, but i want everybody to understand where I'm coming from(maidstone lol) and what i expect of you all, then we can all pull in the same direction, AS A TEAM. This season i want to get a little more serious and professional as i feel if we do things slowly and in stages we could become one of ashford's successful clubs. I have already started trying to help players with their general game eg what runs to make, when to play it easy and when to try something different etc. I feel there is alot of potential and improvement in the squad if people are prepared to listen and learn. I am looking to do my FA coaching courses in the near future to help you all develop as players.
Kevin will remain as skipper, many of you have mentioned to me, that although he always seems to be moaning, he is a good captain, and at times we would of struggled without him. I will be naming a new vice captain, but am still looking for the ideal man, i feel and no dis respect to Clokey he at times last year tried to hard to be the perfect vice captain and let his own game suffer.
We are only having two friendlies, Wye and Brabourne, as i found it difficult to get everybody together for friendlies last year, so therefore don't learn nothing. I hope this makes sense to you all and you now understand what i want from you guys, and my view on things. If you have any problems or issues please feel free to come and have a chat.
Heres hoping for a successful 2009/2010 season. All that's left to say is something i heard once or twice in the changing room after our cup final win
ALL TOGETHER NOW
ALL TOGETHER
Dale
