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The 2008/2009 season was a bit of a roller-coaster, which promised so much from the start, irrespective, I have enjoyed every minute.
I took over the team bottom of the league, 6 games into the season. The task in hand was to keep us up and get the team smiling again, which we did.
We managed 11th place, or 6th from bottom.
There was some major highlights throughout, including: an 11 game unbeaten run, some notable victories against top 5 opposition, plus the emergence of new players to the club, and excellent 1st seasons for Joe Bright, Sam Mounstephens, Mark Desbois, also players such as Owen Williams, Pete Mitchell, Stef Russo, who have established themselves as regular 1st team players this year and have given this team there all, week in week out, I should also highlight, a great season for Marvin Parsons, the 1st 45 year old to complete a whole season in the 1st team, another fine example of dedication and giving his all to this team.
29 years younger than Marv, 16 years old Tim Durden and 18 year old Jack Caten who have more than held their own in the first team and stand out as some really exciting prospects for the future of this club.
I have named just a few, but credit has to go to all players, I couldn't of asked for a bigger commitment from any of them, they are all fantastic lads.
Next season this team will reach new heights and I am confident the season after next, we will be playing Premiership football (That's intermediate premiership not Barclays).
Players' player this year was the tightest yet and in joint 3rd was Peter Mitchell and Chip, 2nd was Sam Mountstephens and the winner who has had a great 1st season with us, he could have completed a full deck of cards with the amount of bookings he has had this season, but at just 22, I personally think this lad is one of the best players in this league and I am delighted he has been playing his football with us, Joe Bright was your players player of the year.
Managers player was equally as difficult, there was 3 players within very close contention.
I can't remember the last time a 16 year old completed a whole season with the 1st team in the 16 years I have been with the club. He has fit really well into the team, he has shown strength of an adult in games, his performances in matches have been sublime and has really set the bar for the future youth of this club.
Sam also breaks the record for going a whole season without having a shower with the lads.
Sam Mountstephens is Managers player of the year.
I would also like to say a huge thank you to Neil Bixby, who has been my assistant manager throughout the season, quite frankly not sure what I would have done without him. Thanks Neil.
Roll on next season, I promise to give it my all to get us promoted into the premiership for the first time in the club's history.
Up the Rams.
Justin Mountstephens
1st Team Manager |
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