May 2014

Finishing in 7th place in the Blue Square Premier is a good achievement, but part of me classes it as a disappointment. We had been in the play-off places for quite some time, but a poor couple of months around Christmas meant we were cut off from the rest of the pack, and this proved to be costly when it came to the end of the season. Next year, I believe we can go up, but we'll need to strengthen our side before that can happen.

In terms of the current squad's performance throughout the 2013/14 season, there were several stand-out performers. Denis Behan once again topped the goal-scoring charts, grabbing 20 goals in 47 appearances altogether, whilst Ryan Charles and Richard Offiong both got into double figures for the season. Lewis Montrose once again had a brilliant season; finishing with an average rating of 7.17 in 46 games, 13 assists and a pass completion ratio of 83%; the best in the league. Being made captain hadn't made his performances drop whatsoever it seems. At the back, Tom Parkes and Chris Robertson had solid first seasons with the club, and will look to build on their good performances next year. Max Wragg impressed after coming back from a lengthy spell on the sidelines, whilst Tommy Lee will be hoping he can continue as the club's number 1 next season after conceding 47 in 44 league games with 15 clean sheets.

In order to strengthen the squad, players will need to be sold. 39-year-old centre back and former captain Graham Coughlan, who scored the goal that sealed our promotion to the Blue Square Premier, had his contract mutually terminated. He plans to retire at the end of next season, but there could be a possibility of bringing him back to the club as a coach. Adrian Nevins, Carl Tremarco and Matthew Duffy look set to leave the club, whilst Lewis Alessandra could be one of the bigger names on his way out.