The season so far...

With 5 games gone, a quarter of the season completed and a free weekend approaching, it’s time for a look back on how our season has gone so far, and as a club what he can look forward to for the rest of the year.

September: The season got off to a great start with a 6-1 win against local rivals St. Pauls Pilgrims. Although the game lack fluency, it was good see 5 different players chip in goals, and more impressive were debuts from Ant Glass, Nick Eastburn and man of the match Ivan Straw. Our second game was a highly impressive 9-0 rout of new team Opportunity Soccer. Scott Donkin continued his impressive start to the season with 4 goals in his man of the match performance.

October: The start of the YCFL Cup for us this year was a trip to Morley BSC FC, the team that knocked us out at the first elimination round last season, and this again was a challenge just too far far the team. A few defensive mistakes are what cost the team in the end of what was an excellent football match, that demonstrated all the positives of the YCFL on both the quality of football and excellent fair play by both teams. A 5-3 loss in the end was nothing to be ashamed of, and the high standard of football on show that day in fact demonstrates the level of improvement the team has made over the past couple of years.

Our third league of the season saw us host another new team, Sowerby Bridge United. In the end we came away rather disappointed in the 1-1 final result where we enjoyed far more of the possession and chances in the game, but were just unable to find the winning goal. With Division 2 only a few weeks in, this game showed that the title could well be decided in the reverse fixture in February.

November: Goals were definitely not in short supply in our second cup game of the season, this time home to Unity in Mission. Despite going a goal down in the first minute, we quickly bounced back to win the game an astonishing 11-4. There were goals for full-backs on the day Dan Chapman and Ben Telfor, but it was the 3 hattricks by Ali Hogben, Jonny Donkin and first goals for the club Nick Eastburn which did the damage. Hopefully this goalfest will continue throughout the season.

Looking forward, we now have 3 crucial league games at home, a cup game against Division 1 team Normanton, and a tricky away tie against Huddersfield Elim before Christmas. With our fate in both the YCFL Cup and 12 points up for grabs in the league before the winter break, this is a crucial period for the club. If we can carry on the consistency in team and performance over the games, and if we can get to the mid season interval leading YCFL Division 2, then we will be well on our way to gaining the promotion that we are aiming for this year.

Season Expectations...

It's been a long summer but the new season finally kicks off for AGFC on Saturday, with a home tie against local rivals St. Paul’s Pilgrims.

With the end of season AGM a distant memory back in May, all thoughts are firmly set on Saturday’s opening fixture for the club. Despite the Yorkshire Christian Football League officially kicking off at the beginning of the month, the club has had to sit back and wait while others get some competitive game time under their belts. Nonetheless we have tried to get as prepared as possible, and with an unbeaten pre-season, we go into Saturday with much confidence.

There has been quite a transformation in the team over the summer with a number of players moving on; either to other clubs or away from York, but we have also had a number of new faces join the team. Both our pre-season friendlies have seen us record convincing wins against local York teams St. Pauls and St. Mikes, with some impressive performances, not least from our newest players. Scoring 5 goals in total, and keeping a clean sheet in both games is a great platform to build on as the games come thick and fast from this point onwards.

In the build up to this weekend, it is hard for me not to reflect on the 1-1 draw we had at the Knavesmire earlier in the year against St. Pauls. A disappointing result for us, against our closest rivals, considering before the game we had yet to concede a goal to them. It was a disjointed performance from us, and one we look to rectify this coming weekend. On a personal level, getting injured moments after coming off the bench wasn’t a pleasant experience; however the assist for Ben’s equaliser is still a personal highlight of the season. All that being said, St. Paul’s are an honest, hard-working team that will not give in easily, and it must be remembered that they did beat us in a friendly back in April.

Looking further ahead to the season as a whole our aim this year has to be promotion. After last years slight disappointment of not translating our early season form into a sustained push for the title, we have got to back ourselves to do better this year. We are the highest place team from last year left in Division 2; however, with New North Road dropping down from Division 1, and three new teams  in Opportunity Soccer, Mowbray Community Church and Sowerby Bridge United all joining the league, it is not going to be straightforward. We cannot become complacent in any game this season and the message is clear: start well and finish well.

Rising expectations… dampened

Predictions clearly are not my thing. It’s looking like half of the teams that I thought would make the quarter-finals will be heading home early. Moving past this, in the lead up to England’s last group game against Ukraine on Tuesday I thought I would offer some of my thoughts on Roy Hodgson’s team so far, and a suggestion or two for the rest of the tournament.

The France game was to be fair an unspectacular game that came and went without dramatic incident. Hodgson had set the team up to defend and nick a goal, and the 1-1 result is definitely one most who have taken at the beginning of the game. They looked solid, everyone seemed to be clear on what their role was and comfortable with what everyone else was expected to do. England looked like a team that was happy to accept that they could not expect to win and happy to play to their strengths and necessities, rather than simply try to play the nice passing possession game that seems to be mandatory these days. This was impressive.

After the surprising ease and comfort of watching England last Monday, the Friday evening viewing against Sweden game felt like torture (and that is not including my ability to call both Sweden goals seconds earlier, and then screaming and Walcott not to shoot just before the ball hit the back of the Swedish net). Both Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson were pushed too far forward leaving huge spaces for the Swedes to exploit. Ashley Young was exceptional poor, moving out to the left, a position he plays for his club. Milner started the game brightly, but quickly faded, but was in fair left with too much work to do in covering for Johnson, most notably in the free-kick he was forced to concede which led to Sweden’s second goal. The spirit to fight-back and grab the winner, the latest goal England have ever scored at the European Champions, was commendable, but it should not be allowed to paper over the cracks. 

What was more encouraging to see was Walcott, finally been given the chance to prove his worth in international tournament, 6 years after being prematurely taken to the 2006 World Cup, duly demonstrate that he has a great to deal to offer this England side. Despite the doubters he is an intelligent player, can score goals, make insightful runs, and provide balls from wide areas that create goals. Van Persie has commented time and again over the past 12 months how much Walcott aids his play, and Welbeck will be as grateful for the service, although he himself should take great credit for a exceptional well taken (and intentional) winning goal.

Taking the bigger picture of the past 2 months, Hodgson has made some bold calls leading up the tournament in his squad selection, and his game plans, starting XI and subs and have all worked well so far. Thankfully we have a manager with the intelligence and willingness to adapt the game plan and personal. The players fault for dropping deeper and deeper once going ahead is something he still needs to work on, but he is starting to mould them into a team, rather than a collection of over-hyped individuals.

Tonight’s games could have a bigger say in how far England progress, than the expected win against the joint hosts. England’s potential semi-final opponents would be easier if they finish as runners up in group, which is likely unless France fail to beat Sweden. However, that means playing the winner of Croup C – most likely the Spanish. A Croatian and Italian win would be ideal, sending the Spanish home, however unlikely that would be. A quarter-final exit against the Spanish is by far the most likely outcome, as predicted, by as everyone keeps repeating: if Chelsea can beat Barcelona…

England also have hope with the returning Wayne Rooney. Despite Roberto Martinez arguing yesterday that he should remain on the bench with both Carroll and Welbeck scoring against the Swedes, I, like I expect Hodgson to do, will start with the Liverpudlian on Tuesday. Although there is the temptation to start the two forwards who both grabbed goals on Friday evening, and started to look a like a decent partnership upfront, Rooney must play, as he has not played hardly anyone football for 5 weeks, and needs to gain some match fitness and sharpness ready for the expected quarter-final game at the weekend. Against the Ukraine do not be surprised if both Carroll and Downing start. Despite the expectation and (limited) experience of Rooney supporting Welbeck, Hodgson may be tempted to use Carroll to hopefully give Rooney more space in between the Ukrainian midfield and defence, and have two-pronged attack against a weak Ukrainian defencive, rather the two Manchester forwards who nonetheless probably complement each other more. Downing could well come in to add a bit more defencive cover on the left, and attempt to supply crosses into the box, a tactic that hasn’t worked well for Liverpool, yet.

There is much to be positive about with England under Hodgson. However, I was left convinced after the Sweden game that we have less of a chance of lifting the trophy than before the game. The France game had given me hope; the Sweden game reminded me that we simply are not yet good enough to win an international tournament. The Spanish must be licking their lips and sharpening their swords already. Here’s to being proven wrong…

Euro 2012 Preview and Predictions

Liverpool won the Carling Cup. Manchester City won the Premier League. Chelsea won the FA Cup and Champions League. The only thing left to determine, who will win Euro 2012? With the European Championships just around the corner I thought I would offer my thoughts on each team, and my predictions for the tournament (those of a betting nature would be wise to put all your money on the exact opposite of what is written here!)

Group A

Czech Republic

A hardworking team that will try and catch teams on the break, much of their attacking force will be determined by Arsenal’s Tomas Rosicky. It was their captain Petr Cech that cost them further progress 4 years ago, but he has picked up form more recently, and with a Champions League winners’ medal will look to inspire his country from the back. Despite not having as an exciting team that previous Czech teams have, they have a good chance to make it out of what is the weakest group in the tournament.

Prediction: Will fall slightly short at the first hurdle.

Greece

Surprised everyone 8 years ago to win Euro 2004; they demonstrated that football is a team game, and not simply won by star individuals. That principle is still held onto in this Greek team, and this time they potentially offer slightly more going forward. They won their group convincingly, only conceding 5 times and not losing a game. They are not the most pleasant on the eye but will not be pushovers; however I do not think they will come anyway near matching the feat of their heroics in Portugal.

Prediction: Early exit at the group stage

Poland

Qualified as hosts and so have lacked any competitive matches, but nonetheless put in one or two impressive results in friendlies in their build up.  The beat a young Argentina side and were unlucky not to beat a strong German team last year, denied by a last minute goal. Whether playing at home helps them to raise their game or put them further under pressure is yet to be seen, but their progress could be largely down to one of Europe’s hottest properties at the moment, Robert Lewandowski. He was player of the year in Germany, and the Borussia Dortmund striker could use the tournament as a spring board to convince a team like Manchester United that he is worth the hype.

Prediction: Will surprise a few and please the home crowd by making it out of the group into the quarter finals.

Russia

Although it was Spain that won 4 years ago, much of Euro 2008 will be remembered for Russia lighting up the tournament and Andrey Arshavin in particular exploding onto the European scene, even if everyone was already waiting for it to happen. He and rest of the team are 4 years older, and do not look quite as dynamic this time round, however Alan Dzagoev could be one of the young stars of the tournament playing behind the striker(s). Much will depend on their opening game against the Czech Republic, but Russia should be favourites to qualify from this group.

Prediction: Quarter-finalists.

Group B

Denmark

Everyone’s favourites to finish bottom of group B, Denmark should not be underestimated. They qualified as group winners, forcing group opponents Portugal into the playoffs to even make the tournament. They have a solid defensive unit, and Christian Eriksen could well be one of the stars of the tournament. I think they will struggle to get into the knockout stages, but could upset the bookmakers and may very well decide who does progress with their results.

Prediction: Just fail to get out of the group, but will surprise a few.

Germany

An exciting mix of exceptional young players and experienced players that have performed well in tournament football before, the Germans could be the team to beat. Perhaps slightly more vulnerable on penalties than they were a couple of weeks ago, it may be a cliché, but the Germans more often than not seem to be able to perform well under pressure on the biggest stage. Think they are the most likely team to get out of what has been labelled the ‘group of death’ and they will be a formidable match for anyone.

Prediction: Will make the final but will go the way of the Bayern Munich and fall at the final hurdle. Runners-up.

Netherlands

Often play some of the best football at tournaments and then fail to deliver when it really matters. Matched Spain right until the end in the World Cup final 2 years ago, and I have a feeling they may go one better this time round. The biggest concern is that Van Persie has carried Arsenal for so long this season that he may not have enough left in the tank to fire them to glory, however they have many match winners in their team; they have a real chance of glory.

Prediction: Will head back home with the trophy.

Portugal

Had to qualify through the play-offs after only coming second to group winners Denmark. Were impressive against Bosnia and can boast the best player from Europe in their ranks. The rest of the Portugal team do not quite rank alongside Ronaldo’s class and I think they may struggle to get out of the group. Can upset any team on their day, however, I think they may come unstuck before they have a chance to fully demonstrate that.

Prediction: Early exit from the competition.

Group C

Croatia

It was not long ago that Croatia were made to look like world beaters by England, playing attractive attacking football. Since they denied England a place at Euro 2008, they haven’t quite been at their best. Modric is the heart of their team, but despite his great creative talent, they haven’t got the players to punish teams and I think they may struggle to pick up many points this time round.

Prediction: A disappointing tournament, that is over before it really begins.

Italy

Trying to move away from what is seen as typical defensive play; Italy nonetheless had the best defensive record in qualifying. Difficult to score against, and they have the joker in the pact in Mario Balotelli; their campaign could come down to what mood he is in. With Rossi injured, ‘Super Mario’ is going to be called on more than most expected, and he has the potential to truly demonstrate the talent that he promises. They have a very difficult first game against the holders, and their final group game against the Irish could well be a knock-out game to see who makes the quarter finals.

Prediction: An Irish upset will send the Azzurri home earlier than expected.

Republic of Ireland

Under their Italian manager the Republic have become extremely difficult to beat and picked up some impressive results. Although, much will be made of their fans bringing colour and vibrancy to the tournament, their passion and commitment on the pitch will be just as impressive. They play a system that works for them and they play as a team. If they can get a win against Croatia it will give them confidence against the two favourites in the group and they could well cause an upset.

Prediction: Will make it past the group stages.

Spain

Only a few weeks ago it was all set for Barcelona and Real Madrid to fight it out it between them to determine who would be crowned the best team in Europe. Chelsea and Bayern Munich demonstrated that there is more than one way to play football, and the disappointment by the players from these two clubs could have an effect on morale and belief in the team. Not quite as good as their teams that won the previous European Championship or World Cup, Spain should nonetheless still put up a good challenge in defending their title, and play in style that will please the neutral fans. They still boast a wealth of talent and getting the right balance could be difficult.

Prediction: Unlucky losers might not even make the final.

Group D

England

New manager, new captain (kind of) and fresh faces. That is how it has been played out by some. The inclusion of Oxlade-Chamberlain is exciting, and the team has a good balance overall. Many of the squad have won trophies this year, with Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea, and an English team has even beaten most of the German team on penalties. Despite a late surge of optimism, I feel England will have to perform well to get out of the group stages. All 3 group games are going to be tough matches, and the first game against a good and underestimated France team could well set the tone for England in the tournament, much like the disappointing draw against the US did two years ago in the World Cup. The friendly against Norway, although including lots of players that may not feature heavily in the tournament, does demonstrate that Hodgson will make the team hard to beat, but scoring goals could be an issue. Injuries have not helped the new manger, with both Barry and Lampard being big loses, but perhaps a couple of unpopular picks could surprise and impressive during the tournament.

Prediction: I can’t wait to be proven wrong, but I can’t see more than what England do best – a heroic quarter-final exit

France

Stuttered slightly in qualifying, but did top their group and are unbeaten in 18 games going into final preparations for the tournament. Of all the realistic contenders to win Euro 2012, France appear to the dark horses, un-fancied by many that tarnish them with inward fighting that destroyed their World Cup two years ago. This is a younger, more skillful side that are well organised by Blanc and offer considerable threat going forward. If I was looking for a good bet to win, this is where my money would be; good odds and will be underestimated by many. Players like Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa could prove on the international stage just how good they are.

Prediction: Will make the semis.

Sweden

The team that has never been beaten by England in a competitive match. They also seem to perform well if slightly under the radar in major competitions and I think it will be similar again this time round. Much of their progress will most likely be determined by the form of Ibrahimovic, coming off a season where he has failed to win a league title for the first time since 2003. Roy Hodgson must not take them lightly, and he knows this, his experience of Scandinavia is something at least the Swedes are wary of.

Prediction: Will beat Ukraine and to upset the hosts, but think England will finally find a way to get a win against their bogey team - early exit at group stage.

Ukraine

All the talk before the tournament on Ukraine has been on the bad infrastructure and the worry and potential racial problems that nearly no time has been given to their team. Shevchenko will still spearhead their attack, a few years after he proved at Chelsea that he is way past his best. They will not be beaten easily, but without any competitive football over the past couple of years, I struggle to see the hosts win a match, let alone make it past the group stages in their own backyard.

Prediction: Will be left to watch the business end of the tournament from the sidelines.

AGFC Manager's England squad for Euro 2012

With the new England manager, Roy Hodgson, naming his provisional 23 man squad to go to the European Championships tomorrow, I thought I would offer my suggestions for how I would complete that list.

Goalkeepers

Unlike 2 years ago when Capello could have chosen any 3 of the goalkeepers he took to the World Cup in South Africa, and didn’t seem to full confidence in any of them either, Joe Hart is now the undoubted number 1. In fact, I would argue that he could demonstrate that he is right up there among the best goalkeepers in the world during the tournament.

For his deputies, there are no clear candidates that I would with confidence play if Hart got injured. With both Robinson (who I would want to take) and Foster declaring themselves retired and unavailable for international football, Scott Carson would go as my number 2. Although looking nervous in his previous appearances for England, his experience of playing outside of English football I think is an added bonus both for his game and perhaps for the squad as a whole. Robert Green is probably the most logical choice for 3^rd spot, however, as the chances of him being required are so small, therefore, I would want to take a young keeper who could benefit from being around the England team during a major competition, and who could potentially go on to be Hart’s deputy for the next few years. Because of this I would select Frank Fielding, with John Ruddy, who was had a decent first Premier League season being back-up in case there is an injury before the tournament.

Defenders

I am glad that I don’t have make the call about John Terry and Rio Ferdinand. It’s an absolute joke that with less than a month before the second biggest tournament in international football, an issue like this surrounds the team. Partly down to this, form, fitness and wanting to establish a good team ethos in the squad, in my picks I am choosing neither.

Centre back is extremely difficult, with no outstanding contenders, but for consistently good performances I am going with Phil Jagielka and Joleon Lescott. I am also going to go with Gary Cahill, someone who has always played well for England, and 6 months at Chelsea will only have helped him improve his game. Phil Jones also makes it for me, and has the added bonus that he could be used at RB or as defensive midfield player if required.

At RB I have the easier decision of not selecting Glen Johnson, and instead going with Kyle Walker and Micah Richards, again someone who could cover at CB if necessary. And LB Ashley Cole simply has to go, and I would take Leighton Baines, with Kieran Gibbs just missing out.

Midfield

There are far more difficult decisions that have to be made here, with so many potential possibilities. Scott Parker would have to go for me, and despite his lack of pace and looking poor at the last World Cup, Gareth Barry has really impressed recently in the Manchester City team so would be in my team. Michael Carrick has been often overlooked for England, but I feel has actually had a good season and ideally I would want to take him as well, but think this would be one defensive midfielder too many, so he would be on my reserve list in case of any injuries before the end of May cut-off. Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard therefore would both be included in my 23, although neither necessarily in my starting XI.

Out wide, Theo Walcott, Ashley Young, James Milner are all easy decisions. The final spot is not as obvious. Originally I had thought to take Adam Johnson. He just missed out 2 years ago, but he can beat a player, and offers something different, most important he his left footed. However he has not played or performed enough for Manchester City enough to fully justify a position and so I would select the forgotten man of English football, Joe Cole. He has had a relatively impressive season at Lille, still offers a great deal to England both out wide and behind the front man in the n.10 position, and has the experience of performing on the biggest stage for England before.

Strikers

Despite missing the first 2 games, Wayne Rooney simply has to go, the one man who could potentially drag England past the usual quarter-final exit. Although his Liverpool carer has not been overly impressive I would take Andy Carroll as I think he could thrive in the England team and has started to hit some form. I’d take Danny Welbeck as he has shown he can bring the best out of Rooney and has a good conversion rate for Manchester United this season. Not the finished article by far, but it will benefit his own game and England for this experience and opportunity to shine. For the other striker position Id go with Jermain Defoe. A natural finisher, and has proven this season, can be effect off the bench. He also has the experience of scoring in tournament football for England before. That means that I would leave out Peter Crouch, Daniel Sturridge and Bobby Zamora. All have good arguments for selection but have not done enough this season for me to justify selection. Grant Holt as the second highest English scorer in the PL this season does deserve a mention, but I don't think this would be the right move looking to the future for England, however, I do think if he went to Poland & Ukraine, he would do better than a lot of people imagine. I would have both Crouch and Sturridge on stand-by in case of any injuries.

So my 23:

1. Hart, 12. Carson, 13. Fielding
2. Walker, 22. Richards, 5. Jagielka, 6. Cahill, 16. Lescott, 17. Jones, 3. A. Cole, 15. Baines
4. Parker, 14. Barry, 8. Lampard 18. Gerrard 8. 19. Milner, 7. Walcott, 11. Young, 23. J. Cole
10. Rooney, 9. Carroll, 20. Defoe, 21. Welbeck

Reserve: Ruddy, G. Johnson, Gibbs, A. Johnson, Sturridge, Crouch

AGFC Managers Report 2011/12

The season is finished, on a very late Tuesday evening in May, after 16 league games, 3 cup games, 4 friendlies and one 7aside tournament. In a season that has seen us top the YCFL Div 2, eventually finishing 4th, and making the knockout stages of the YCFL Cup for the first time, here are my thoughts on the season.

I need to start by paying credit to Steve Harbertson for putting in so much ground work 2 years ago in getting AGFC started. I must also pay great thanks to Jamie and Ali for all their work alongside me in running the club this year. With both Steve and Phil Allen stepping back from their roles on the committee we have all had to take on a more responsibility, and I’ve felt that together we've worked well to help improve the organisation and running of the club.

For me the biggest highlight of the season has been the 15 new players that have turned out in AGFC colours at some point during the season. Joe Hall’s goals have been tremendous, notably 8 in the game away to Four FC. Ben Rule has also chipped in with some crucial games and man of the match in his first game is a great achievement. Dan Chapman has been a vital member of the team this season and continues to impress and improve with each game. There has been the battle between Sean Allan and Matt McMurray in their rivalry to get a first goal for the club. Steve Lee has proved an excellent addition to the squad, making RB his own this season. We’ve had a former semi-pro in Kerron Cross in goal during the season, and Robin Rolls has added some experience to the midfield. It’s also been fantastic to see some new players inviting along friends as well like Ben Telfor and John McKenzie.

Going top of YCFL Division 2 just before Christmas was a great achievement, and a high point during the season, just a shame we couldn’t hold on to it. We haven't perhaps got the results we deserve in some of our games, and been unlcuky at times not to finish with more points, however, 30 points is a significant improvement on last season. We must also give credit to Abbey Grange and Gateway Doncaster on their promotions, both exceptional good teams. Whilst the 15-2 result against Four FC was the most impressive scoreline during the season, undoubtedly the most impressive result was the 4-3 away to Scunthorpe in the cup, coming back from 3-1 down late on, including a last kick of the game penalty save by Kerron. That win took us into the knock-out stages of the YCFL Cup for the first time, and despite a fabulous team performance against the reigning YCFL Premiership & Cup champions Morley BSC, we were narrowly beaten 2-1 to go out in the last 16 stage.

There have been a few challenges to deal with. With the significant increase in players it has been extremely challenging having to pick only 14 players for each game. Although I haven’t always got this right, I have as honestly as possible tried to make this as fair and consistent as possible. Not one player has avoided being dropped from a game, so I know you all perhaps could say I have made a mistake there! There have also been errors made in set-up and tactics at times, but hopefully lessons learnt this season will help us be better next year!

Regrettably we are losing a few players. We have to say goodbye to Phil Allen, Joe Hall, Justin Hill & Will Leech. Special credit must go to both Phil & Joe, who despite living in Bradford & Wakefield respectively, have played the majority of games this year, a simply outstanding commitment. Thanks for all being a part of AGFC, you will be sorely missed.

For me, for his consistent availability and performance throughout the season Scott Donkin has been player of the season, and this is why, along with his attitude on and off the pitch, was awarded Manager's Player of the Year. For new player of the year it has been a difficult decision with so many great new contributions, but my vote has to go to Dan Chapman. Not only has been available for nearly every game this season, but has willingly played in a number of positions during the season, and excelled. He has shown a great commitment for the team, with a never give up attitude.

For me personally it has been an exhilarating but challenging year. I’ve made new friends, had some extremely difficult decisions to make, and managed to score a goal (even if it was in a friendly match!). The whole purpose of the club was set up to establish not only a team, but a club that was a warm and friendly community open to new players, to enjoy football and also recognise that there is more to life. Our aim continues to be to establish a club that is worth fighting for, with great team spirit, fun & one where we honour God. This is a continued learning curve for all of us and we hope for bigger and better next year.

The gaffer. 

AGM - 5/5/12

The AGFC AGM for 2012 took place on Saturday, 5th May at the Gateway Centre. During what was a well attended meeting the following members were (re)elected:

Manager: Peter Sloan

Secretary: Alistair Hogben

Treasurer: Jamie Holliday

Players present: Phil Allen, Dan Chapman, Jonny Donkin, Scott Donkin, Caleb Ellwood, Dave Guilliatt, Joe Hall, Josh Heffernan, Justin Hill, Alistair Hogben, Jamie Holliday, Steve Lee, Peter Sloan, Alex Staples, Ben Telfor, Sam Williams, Rob Yates, and Alex Young

Along with the Manager's address, Secretary’s report and the Treasurer’s financial statement, there were also some very positive discussions about the season and plans for next season.

The night ended with the awards presentation for 2011/12 Season for the following winners:

Golden boot: Joe Hall

Signing of the Season: Dan Chapman

Managers Player of Year: Scott Donkin

Players Player of the Year: Dan Chapman

Clubman of the Year: Peter Sloan

Joe’s goals this season have been consistent throughout the season, and added a new dimension to the team. Right from his first game Joe has made a real difference to the team, and is very unlucky to not walk away with more than just the Golden Boot award. His boots are definitely going to hard to fill next year as he heads off to Edinburgh. We all wish you the best as you brave moving up Scotland!

Dan walked away with not only Signing of the Season, but also the coveted Player’s Player of the Year. This demonstrates not just how highly valued he is by the rest of the team, but how his performances and attitude throughout the year have been outstanding. From our first game away to Unity in Mission, Dan has hardly put a foot wrong, impressed everyone, and a worthy winner.

For Manager’s Player of the Year I do not just consider playing ability. I consider someone’s commitment to the team, the effort made on the pitch and their attitude both on and off the pitch. This was a really tough decision with a number of players that I considered, including Steve Lee and Rob Yates, but I chose Scott due to his outstanding performances throughout the year, and impressive attitude throughout the year, not complaining when only started on the bench and really led by example on the pitch and encouraging others; a more than deserved winner.

It was very humbling to win Clubman of Year, what we regard as the most prestigious award – acknowledging a good attitude and commitment both on and off the pitch to club. Although I already knew the result before the night (and honest, it wasn’t fixed), I was still extremely grateful to know that all the efforts and time I have put in this season were appreciated by the team (well most of them!). 

Acomb Gateway FC is the football team of Gateawy Church in Acomb, York. We play in the Yorkshire Christian Football League on Saturday mornings. As a team we strive to honour God with the way they play football.

We have 5 a-side training every Tuesday evening. It's open to all ages (from 16 upwards) and all abilities. The cost is just £2 and we meet by the Astro Pitch at Energise off Cornlands Road. We are always open to new players joining our club.  If you're interested in finding out more, you can email me here.