Page 26 - Ashton & Backwell FC v Bridport 021021

Nick’s Notes. The Resies

So a lot has been going on since the start of the season, 2 days before the
first team campaign began new managers Charlie Rich and Rich Earey
decided that the job wasn’t for them . The club was in turmoil , but as usual
the club rallied round and pulled together Mike, as chairman, myself & Matt
addressed the players on that Thursday night and tried to reassure them
that everything was going to be ok and that we should all pull together .
So for the first month or so we were basically running both sides. I must
stress this was no easy task trying to balance players being away for
whatever reason and keeping morale high in the face of adversity.. To be
fair the players bought into everything we were trying to do and I would
like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of them for their
support through such a difficult time. They showed class, determination ,
loyalty to the club and most of all that true fighting spirit , that never say
die attitude which I believe will see them consolidate our position in the top
division . As the reserve season began Matt stayed with the first team,
myself and Mike ran the reserves.
If no reserve game, we would help with the firsts . Now with the exciting
new appointment of Tony and his management team things should
hopefully calm down and the good times I believe are just around the
corner for our first team .
Right now the reserves.
With the immense strain on the playing staff at the start of the season a
number of our reserves were called upon to play for the first team in that
first month and did so fantastically. Red Clarke the youngest ever club
goalkeeper to play for our club in the toolstation prem. Cam Main , Will
Solari, Mason Hardidge, Thomas Smart all made their premier debuts. For
me the stand out players stepping up have been Jason Radnedge and Sam
Price who have made a real statement.
So with those players missing the impact to our squad has been minimal
after 6 games played we have won the last 5 and are currently sitting joint
top of a very competitive division . We hope to continue that good run today
against a very strong Clutton side from the somerset prem in the cup . I
hope going forward we continue to improve individually and as a team and
we show the grit and determination to keep pushing on up .
Regards Smarty