New Years Musings with Tom Shurville

As 2007 draws to a close, Gadeside manager Adam Hills can look back over the first half of his opening season in charge, with pride. His side has just beaten Leavseden Green 8-0 to make it ten wins out of ten, opening up a 9 point lead at the top of the Olympian Sunday Premier League.

Things haven?t always been so sweet for Gadeside. When Manager Hills took over in October 2006, he inherited a team that couldn?t keep a clean sheet for peanuts, a midfield that lacked toughness, and strikers who had an inability to put the ball in the back of the net. How things have changed. Hills? decision to move Tom Oliver to central defence has proved a wise one, with Gadeside having conceding just five goals in the ten league games they have played. Summer signing Sam Green has repelled everything thrown at him in the Gadeside goal (as long as it?s below his shoulder height) while Oliver?s dynamic partnership with Matthew Evans, coupled with Ian Freeman's free scoring form (two goals?? - ed) have revolutionised the defensive rearguard.

A midfield, previously lacking bite and aggression, has seen improvement due to the partnership of Shurville Snr and the engimatic Daniel Brooks. Together, these two players have added intensity to the midfield. With Ivanz Mani and Jay Evans predominantly on the wings, Gadeside's strikers have thrived not only on accurate service. They have had a helping hand on the goal scoring front, with Shurville particularly sharp in front of goal. Manager Hills? biggest challenge from week to week is deciding who should adorn Gadesides? notorious No.9 and No.10 shirts. Whoever wears these shirts, previously worn by such prestigious strikers, bear not only the responsibility of scoring memorable goals, but also have to live up to the high standards set by their predecessors. So far these standards have not only been met, but often exceeded, much to the delight of the Gadeside faithful. The preferred striking partnership, Dan Campbell and Adam Hills, have performed admirably, scoring goals whenever they have played. However, they have not been able to rest on their morals with Tariq Khan and Toby Zhou waiting in the wings. These players have proved on many occasions that they are more than capable of stepping into the breach, giving Manager Hills food for thought entering the New Year.

In conclusion, 2007 has been a great year for Gadeside. The squad has performed commendably, with players often showing their versatility, and talent, even when playing unfamiliar positions. This strength in depth, and willingness to perform in alien roles, is a key factor in Gadesides prominent league position. Long may it continue! As 2008 beckons, an exciting dawn is upon us. With an eager subs bench packed full of talent, no one can rest on their laurels. Knowing that that there is a more than capable player waiting on the sidelines, should prevent anyone?s standards from dropping or entertaining the thought of going out the night before! (Brooksy and Sam take note!).

I also use this opportunity to send a get well message to our injured players, and on behalf of the team I thank you for supporting us throughout the season. A lie-in must seem so have been so much more inviting on those winter mornings, but you were there to offer your support and guidance when the team needed you most. Russell, Tom, Rob and Jason, we are both excited about your eventual returns, but will endeavor to raise our game to prevent you from stealing our positions! Get well soon!

A big thank you must also go to the parents, friends and WAGS who have motivated the team through thick and thin, encouraging us all to excel. A ask you to forward this message of thanks to everyone who has shown an interest in Gadeside, without you we would be nothing! Last but not least on the teams? behalf, I take this opportunity to thank our Manger Adam Hills. He has been patient and understanding, whilst fine tuning this uncouth group of ambitious young men. Whilst weaker men may given up hope, Hills has provided us with an opportunity to excel on the field, and repay some of the faith he has bestowed upon us. Without his dedication and hard work, we would have been a lesser team- So Hills?..we salute you! Managing a football team is never easy, let alone the Gadeside massive. Brooksy, Khan and Green must have caused many a sleepless night, but are merely a few names in a team full of excessive boozers - but don?t try and tell me it?s not worth it when you see Shurville score a 25 yard left foot screamer after a heavy night!!

In reply...by Adam Hills

Firstly my thanks to 'Shurv' for taking the time to write this article and it's pleasing to see that our players are clearly relishing the challenges set out to them and enjoying their football. But, as I have said to the players during the 'winter break', for all the well dones and back-slapping - we must remember that at this moment, we have won sweet FA. There are 8 games left and all of them are against decent opposition starting with a trip to Headstone on Sunday. We have given ourselves one helluva chance of securing the elusive first Premier Division league title but this will only come with hard work at training and ensuring we conduct ourselves in a proper way on matchdays.

Some may read this and think it's all a bit much for a Sunday league side but I'm a firm believer in doing things properly and I think that attitude has been the reason we are 9 points clear at the top. As an extension to Shurv's words, I would also like to highlight the point he makes about having a large and competitive squad. Against Leavesden, Toby Zhou and Ben Higginson were the unfortunate pair who didn't even get onto the pitch and I know this will have upset them. Both players have shown a great attitude in training since and have given me plenty to think about and I am sure that over the rest of the season - there will be a few more decisions that raise eyebrows. That said, it's a good problem to have. The players who have come in - the likes of Justyn Walcott who has been exceptional - have given us competition in every place.

I leave you with well wishes for 2008...unless of course you are reading this from a rival club in which case I hope we beat you comfortably :-)