Season preview 2012/2013 – All change at The Lane Ends FC

Season 2011/2012 eventually developed into a reasonably successful season for The Lane Ends 2^nd XI.  Following a less than impressive start culminating in an embarrassing 3-1 loss to Division 4 strugglers and local rivals The Stanley Arms FC, Manager Pearse decided that enough was enough and made a very successful attempt to recruit new players.  After a quite fraught week and some intense soul searching the attitude and commitment of the players’ was in no uncertain terms “refocused”.  This was the turning point in the season.

New additions to the squad and a reorganisation of players’ positions led to an impressive string of results which recorded 12 wins, 2 losses and a draw in the final 15 league fixtures, catapulting the team into a deserved 6^th place finish.  This was a vast improvement on the inaugural season of 2010/2011 and a great step forward for season 2012/2013.

The highlight of 2011/2012 was no doubt the triumph in the Divisional Cup competition.  Following the expulsion of Soul Suite FC after intentionally fielding an unregistered player in their semi final victory over us, The Lane Ends were reinstated to the Cup and reserved their place in the Final versus Excellent UK FC.  Victory secured with a 2-1 win.  Goals from Mikey Booth and Craig Gillies secured the result but by no means under estimating the bullish performance of the whole team.  Damo Taylor stepped into nets to cover for 1^st choice (and suspended) keeper Ben Spriggs.  Damo pulled off a string of fine saves and no doubt secured the Cup for The Lane Ends whilst ensuring the unanimous Man of the Match vote from his fellow team mates.

Season 2012/2013 will see some changes.  The team will rename to Wesham Town FC and so, separating themselves from the Lane Ends 1^st XI, who are now to be known as Wesham FC.  The 2^nd XI tag was of some discomfort to our players as they felt they were not indeed a Reserve Team.  Incorporating the name Wesham into our team/club titles may also bring additional benefits from the local government/councils to improve facilities at Wesham Recreation Park.

Pearse intends to strengthen his team further for the upcoming season but not massively.  Intentions are that the team really should be challenging for the title this season following such an impressive final half of 2011/2012. Craig Gillies and Glen Martland have been charged with team training and given that they have coaching badges, need to ensure that the team is prepared properly both in pre-season and throughout the season.

Craig Gillies has also been tasked with the responsibility for fund raising and has some great ideas but these will only come to fruition with the dedicated support from the players, so make sure you all join in when required.

Alek Walker has offered his services to assist Pearse in the management of the team and an offer that is gratefully accepted.  Shaun Gill has taken over the responsibility for the team funds as Treasurer (hope he does not drink it away though!).

I am excited about the upcoming season and sincerely hope that my Players and Staff will continue with the same attitude and desire that led to our successes for the last two seasons.

Well done to all so far and let’s make sure that Dave Pearse’s Barmy Army go from strength to strength!!!

Thanks all.

Dave