August 8, 2015
It's time for a new season!
Over the past few weeks, most of the players we brought in as backups last year accepted offers to play elsewhere. Stacey Freeman and Dean Frett are now with Chertsey Town and Croydon Athletic, respectively; both are making more money per game than we could pay them.
Kieran Fitzharris and Joel Mason both accepted opportunities to play at a higher levels, joining clubs in the eighth tier. Kieran accepted an amateur deal with Romford, and Mason scored a £190/week deal with Sholing. Tommy Wright went one better, signing for Hemel Hempstead Town of the Isthmian Premier Division (Level 7). He improved his financial situation, too.
We can't blame lads for leaving for more money, or to try their luck at a higher level. We can't really blame Paul Dennis, who decided to make a lateral move to a league rival, Horsham YMCA, where he can start. He'd have been third choice keeper at Little Common, at best. Sidney Adams' decision to move to the Midlands and turn out for Leverstock Green makes sense, too. Sidney will be in the first team there, after barely getting a game for us last season.
Charlie Cooke's choice makes less sense to us. He moved to Guildford, at the same level as Little Common, to play the same role in the squad and for five quid less per match. I suppose he can earn bookings as easily there as he can here.
As a result, our squad has been trimmed down somewhat. We brought in one new player and gave life to one grey guy. Otherwise, we filled out the senior team by promoting the most talented youngsters.
Since most of these players are familiar to you, we'll look at the team more holistically, focusing on position groups.
Goalkeepers
Mellings was the regular goalkeeper for a team that conceded the fewest goals in its league. He did nothing that would ordinarily cost a player his spot in the first team. However, in Dunn, we have a young 'keeper of undeniable quality.
Mellings organizes his defense better, and during the preseason he demonstrated the ability to distribute the ball more confidently. Dunn has the advantage in every other respect. His reflexes are quicker than quick.
It's going to be impossible for us to deny Dunn the opportunity to start. Fortunately, we'll be playing in two cup competitions, so it will be possible for us to give Mellings some games, too.
Defenders
The starting back four will be the same: Meech on the right, Hubert on the left, Blewitt and Hassini in the center.
The full backs were durable and efficient last season, and while neither of them dazzled on a regular basis, neither did they draw our attention with their mistakes either.
The center backs are pugnacious, tough customers, but both contribute to the attack, too. Captain Blewitt is a tidy passer, while Hassini poses a threat on set pieces.
We were afraid Lacy might join the exodus this summer, and we were delighted that he decided to stay. We rewarded him by making him vice captain. He announced his intention to retire at the end of the season, but we'll have his legendary long throw at our disposal one more time. Aaron can fill in on the right or in the middle of the back line.
Mitchell Finlay and Carl Craker are honing their craft with the Under 19s, and could appear in a few cup ties.
Midfielders
Cockerill returns on the left, giving us a steady veteran presence and a deft touch on dead balls. Mercurial Oniah will play on the right. He's a bit injury prone and he's streaky, but when he's on his game, he gives opponents headaches.
Magwood, the Supporters' Player of the Year, adapted seamlessly to the role of playmaker. He'll direct the team's attack from the center of the pitch once again. Ferguson returns to the all-purpose role beside him.
Waiting in the wings are Lovell and Barry. Both youngsters could challenge for playing time very soon. Lovell is especially suited to play as a pure number ten, while Barry could fit in any role. Expect both of them to start in the cups.
Grant Entwistle and Kevin Rowland are also youngsters with promise.
Swiss Army Knives
Two of our players are versatile enough to provide depth almost anywhere on the pitch.
You'll remember Lazarus, who remained loyal to the Common over the summer. He is our primary reserve on the left side of the formation.
The new man is Slaughter, whom we first spotted when we were searching for long throw specialists. We were pleased to see he was still looking for a club this summer, and he accepted a non-contract deal with us. Richard is good in any defensive role, where his marking and tackling are on full display. He's also a nifty enough passer to do a job farther up the pitch.
Lazarus (L) and Slaughter (R) might turn up anywhere.
Reece will be ever-present, after leading Division Two with 13 goals last season. Ross will get the chance to hold on to his position, after an eight-goal return in 2014/15.
However, he'll be pressed hard by Long, who scored a combined total of 11 goals at three levels last year. In fact, our staff rate Taser a bit higher than Ross. Both of them will get plenty of playing time.
We needed a fourth center forward, so we brought O'Neill to life. He's a well-rounded player who could serve as a universal substitute.
The Back Room
Zoe and I left the staff members we were given at the beginning of the game in place for our first season. This year, we decided to hire a staff of our own choosing.
Assistant manager Wordsworth joined the team last spring.
We discovered our board would let us hire dedicated managers for both developmental teams. Under 21 boss Woods, who played as a defender for several teams, is an extremely good coach who is skilled with young players. Under 19 manager Smith just hung up his boots after a stint at Tividale. Like Woods, he is a talented coach, and he is a very positive motivator. Both are young; Woods is 34, Smith 29.
Taylor, our new Head of Youth Development, had a long career as a productive forward with a number of non-league clubs. The former Burnley trainee has a positive, Loyal personality, and he is an astute judge of talent.
Two new physios join our staff. Head physio Penfold was last employed at Three Bridges, and physio Avent spent time on the staff at Heather. Zoe is especially delighted to see two women join our team.
Gentle had been out of football since he retired in 2011, and his credentials as a scout made us wonder why. Similarly, Nightingale had been doing other things for several years before he answered our call. Both were forwards during their playing days.
I discovered the "real" Dominic Gentle passed away in 2016 at the age of 44, taken far too soon by an aggressive brain tumor. I hope we have the chance to keep him with us, in our football world, for decades to come.