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.
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