Firstly can l congratulate the committee, coaches and all associated with the great success of 2014!
Now to the business of the reserves.
Thank-you Matthew for my appointment as reserves coach and Guy for allowing me to be involved with the senior group. What a great experience for myself. Thanks to everyone for their help during the season, which made my job easier. The communication and understanding was first rate.
Regards to the reserves season l felt whilst we were competing week to week we lacked continuity and this stems from playing 60plus players during the season. In saying that it was great to have a pool of players to be able to utilise.
I feel a lack of continuity also stems from me not training Tuesday nights for 85% of the season a major factor in monitoring players training patterns and feedback. This is something l am aware of and hoping is no longer.
As for the season we lost 6 games under 26 points we played 2 games with a player short amongst all this we managed to be competitive unit on game day amongst distractions out of our control. The club jumped a grade and whilst this is no excuse it certainly needs to be taken into consideration when looking at win loss ratio.
Besides all these factors l was not happy. I was disappointed with the group who l thought could of achieved greater success with the talent available through the year. A young group with great potential of ability but rather than coaching l felt l was teaching the group on the basic elements of reserves football. 2013 l would imagine their ability would have gotten them through to finals well now 2015 is going to be very different.
Looking at the success of the senior group through the year l take great pride in seeing Rouse, Jones, Jewel and others who played roles during various parts of the season and their contribution to the season
I feel project players like Lloyd, Jones and Jewell along with McNeil will really benefit from 2014 and as a club need to be making sure we encourage these boys to become stronger fitter and a more pivotal part of Hampton rovers senior group.
As for 2015 and the future l am sure we will discuss this in time but as a club we need to be more aware of the role the “medicos” play. I felt that on too many occasions the group were late unorganised and not prepared, as they should be. This often effecting players perpetration and pre game routine of myself. This was the only issue l found constant during the season and l am sure it will be addressed.
As for myself and a first year coach again l can’t thank enough the support and understanding of the club as a hole. I look forward to the challenges of B grade if l am too be reappointed for next season.
