After splitting the leagues in two this literally became a tale of two seasons for Hucknall Sports U14’s.
Prior to Christmas Sports played in Division 2a and came
runners-up with a fantastic record of:
Played 10, Won 7, Draw 2, Lost 1
Played 10, Won 7, Draw 2, Lost 1
After Christmas the boys played in Division 1b and missed
out on Runners-up by a single point.
Season highlights include:
- Promotion
- 3rd place in Division 1b
- Narrowly losing to Ashfield, the eventual winners of the Nottinghamshire Shield
- Double over our local rivals
It’s with mixed emotions that I mention since September there
have been a number of changes in personnel, with four boys leaving and three
new additions coming in. All the new boys have made a massive impact and helped
improve the standard of football in the team such that we have retained our
status as a Division One team for next year.
Personal thanks from Stewart to ‘Rue’ Hallam who has crafted
a fantastic set of training drills that has sought to teach the boys to play a
wonderful attractive style of football. Also, thanks to Justin Stenson for
helping coach the boys too.
Many thanks to Dave Newton, Julian Davies and Adrian Evans
for having the courage to volunteer for the linesman duties.
Thanks to Vonny Hallam for looking after the teams finances.
Thanks to all the mums and dads for their fabulous support
and making sure the boys turn up to matches on time and in good spirits.
Final thanks to our sponsors Nottingham Audi and Belmar
Services for their invaluable support.
At last season’s Presentation Evening we were feeling a
little sorry for ourselves after missing out on promotion by goal difference. So,
huge credit to the boys for rolling their sleeves up and showing the
determination to put that right this time around. The two mini seasons have
proven to be extremely competitive with no easy games. As a manager you want
your team to improve and we have certainly done that. The football at times has
been breathtaking and the boys deserve all the plaudits they have received for
a fantastic 9 months.
Squad for the season included:
- Kal Orton
- Dylan Smith
- Joe Newton (Captain)
- James Stenson
- Kieran Green
- Ellis Evans
- Mitch Davies
- Matt Leivers
- Ryan Towle
- Dante Diriso
- James Hallam
- Charlie Blatherwick
- Tom Eastwood
- Maleek Batten
- Jacob Barlow
- Oliver Bowley
- Owen Everton
Players Player of the Year
It was great to be able to welcome this boy back
"home" for this season. He started his football with Hucknall
Sports at the age of 6 before having to leave for pastures new when his team
folded. His impact has been enormous and he has provided the final piece
to our impressive defensive line.
But he is a defender in the new mould and is just as
comfortable setting up a goal as preventing one. His attitude is exemplary and
it is impossible to recall him having a bad game.
This seasons Players Player of the Year is KIERAN 'GREENY'
GREEN.
Managers Player of the Year
In such a special season it is fair to say that any of the
boys could have won this award. But this boy just pipped his team mates. He can
play many different positions from defence to attack. He is superstitious and despite
having brand new kit he has worn his lucky socks from two seasons ago all year
long.
He has terrorised the opposition right-backs all season and is joint top scorer with 18 goals and when you consider he is a midfielder
that is a terrific return. I know that he will be an extremely popular
choice with everyone connected to the team.
This year’s winner of Managers Player of the Year is TOM
'EASTY' EASTWOOD
Most Improved Player
The award for Most Improved Player was very close as every
boy in the team has improved their performance this season. In the end the
winning margin for the second season running was just one vote.
There are few things more satisfying for a coach than a boy
improving his footballing ability. From the age of 6 there was never any doubt
that this boy had pace and skill in abundance but this season he has added
strength and stamina to make him a first choice on the team sheet.
Playing up front or in midfield, it is clear that he has put
a great deal of his own time into perfecting his football skills and he and his
team mates are reaping the benefits.
He is the baby of the team in age only.
The Winner of the Most Improved Player is – DANTE DIRISO
