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30 June 2015
As it became increasingly likely that we would be promoted last season, I started thinking about this year's squad. We were more than good enough for Level 8, but were the men in the team going to be good enough to hold their own in Level 7?
Fortunately, my scout, Lee Sparkes, has some game (16 Judging Current Ability, 14, Judging Potential Ability). I had Lee take a look at the teams in the Southern Premier Division so I could compare their players to ours. I didn't want to make any more changes to the team than I absolutely had to make. Many of these lads have played together for two seasons, so they've had time to gel as a team. They've also done marvelous work, earning us two consecutive promotions. I'd hate to tell them "Good work, thanks for your service...but you're not good enough for the level you busted your butts to reach."
Lee concluded that the majority of our squad were up to Level 7 standards.
I discovered something else that made me more convinced to sign most of the Alfredians to a new deal. The players I scouted who were of the same quality as our current team tended to demand much higher wages than our lads.
I'm happy to announce that almost all of the players we know will be back in Wantage shirts for 2015/16! A number of them are getting nice raises, but since the board almost doubled our wage limit for next season, we could afford it.
There were only two notable exceptions. Tom Logan wanted a 400% raise for next season. I actually thought about paying him what he wanted--£110/week--but he'd realistically be no better than our fifth choice at striker. I wished Tom well and we parted on good terms. I'm still listed among his Favourite Personnel.
Our captain, Andy Williams, won't be returning either. He had surrendered his place in the first eleven to Ryan Ryder, and while I appreciated his versatility off the bench, I released him to Rochester United. They're a County Leagues club, and he will be a regular there. He's also more than doubling his wages. Again, Andy and I are parting on good terms, and I'd consider him for a coaching position if he decides he'd like to go that route one day.
Meet the Backroom Staff
As I hoped I'd be able to do, I promoted Callum Stevenson to Assistant Manager. Callum completed his Continental A badge last season, and he's working on his Continental Pro license now. I'm delighted to have Callum as my right-hand man.
The board allowed me two more coaches, so there are three new faces in our backroom now. Lee Williams joins us as a Goalkeeping Coach. Lee, 34, recently took off his gloves after tending goal for Trafford. He is insanely good at teaching the mental aspects of the game and motivating players.
Reiss Webb, 40, brings a well-rounded set of talents to our staff. We especially appreciate his ability to coach the tactical and technical aspects of the game.
Phil Hunter is a defensive guru who is also a very talented fitness coach. None of our staff were particular specialists in coaching defense, so Phil, 38, fills a very important gap in our training program.
The rest of my staff--HOYD Luke Noble, scout Lee Sparkes, and physio Kamil Hajto--return to their posts.
I really like the team I've put together, and I hope I can keep them with me for the foreseeable future.
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