Crookham Rovers F.C.

Summary of the Season

The boys adapted well to life in a higher division although it has been a season of two halves. The team play with real enthusiasm, commitment and plenty of effort, enjoying every game and they are friends on and off the pitch. The second half of the season with a more settled formation, increased belief and players finding their feet we have edged up the table and expect to finish in the middle pack with well over 30 points.

Highlights have been the huge improvements made by the whole squad throughout the season. Ryan’s strong leadership in whichever position he has played. Tigerish displays by Ewen who has become a key member of the team, George and James whose ability on the ball combined with improved reading of the game give us a great base to build upon. James Wiltshire who has pulled off some great performances and a match winning wonder goal vs Headley, Billy is becoming the real threat that we knew he could be particularly in 2009. Braden has adapted well to coming on pitch and offers real athleticism, Jonathan has good all round skills, speed and ability and expect to see continued improvement on the wing next season. If there were a prize for most improved player it would be shared between Callum and Ben, lastly the return of Adam given a lot of extra confidence to the team together with his pace, skill and goals upfront.

Invaders are a great bunch of boys who together are an excellent team and it has been a pleasure for Andy and I to work with them. We would like to thank the parents for their support throughout the season and their help in building the great atmosphere we have around the Invaders. Particular thanks to Julie, Jackie, Ceri for their fund-raising efforts which have paid for a couple of social events for the team.

This year has been about continuing the good work of last season, maintaining excellent team spirit, individual improvement and getting ready for the step up to 11 a side next season. We are all looking forward to a good season next year and I think the boys will adapt really well to 11 a side, with the planned additions it is a really well balanced squad.

We are certain they will continue to enjoy it, playing with smiles, skill and determination.

Highlights.

NEHYL Division 4 Champions

Highly successful year for the team's first full season.

All 12 squad members contributed fully to the success of the team - which revolved around hard work, great team spirit, solid defence and over 90 goals.

Player's Player - Adam Brown

Managers Player - James Casey

Clubman (voted by parents/spectators) = Ryan Wylie Dove

Background.

A few of the Invaders had played together in the under 8’s, but they started the season with a challenge on their hands. N.E.H.Y.L. Division 4 was the first season they had played as a team, with some unfamiliar team mates and coaches, they were still learning to work together and recognise each others strengths, which led initially to some poor results.

Third league match in, they suddenly achieved a draw which gave them the confidence they desperately needed. The next game saw a dramatic change, they seemed to finally click as a team, working brilliantly together. Communication was better, fitness and skills were much improved, achieving some fantastic results, kick starting an unbeaten run which lasted right up until the penultimate league match of the season.

They have the highest tally of goals scored, just short of a hundred, and have conceded very few in comparison to other teams in their league.

There are two keywords to describe the Invaders season: Teamwork and Quality.

Keep it up Invaders, we are all very proud of what you have all achieved.

Thanks to our individual sponsors for their support, Neil Baxter from Grant Hayes London for the fabulous away kits and Crondall Builders for their hoodies, hats and wet jackets.