Relegation hurts, there’s no question about it and after a dismal 2010 the lads from AC were happy see the back of 2010 and greet the dawning of 2011. A new year brings about an opportunity to forget the past, and write a new chapter in the history of AC Malvern.
A new chapter is certainly what we would see. The summer months are usually a time for relaxing the belts to a looser hole after devouring copious amounts of food and booze during the festive season. There are music festivals to be enjoyed, beer gardens to be occupied for hours on end and ladies to be met. As I said this is the usual format for this time of year; 2011 however was a different beast all toether.
The brains trust at AC decided that a little summer kick about would be a good idea to dust off the cobwebs, but they didn’t think it would get the momentum that it has. What developed is a full blown pre season training schedule thanks to Coach Dennis and his right hand man; Sparky. A modest Dennis said ” I had a vision, a vision for redemption and though if I build it and they will come” so every Wednesday on the Field of Dreams the lads from AC gather to be put through their paces.
Gone are the fat rolls (well not for all) and we welcome the super fit six pack carrying athletes. Maybe not that far, but at least everyone will be able to fit into their shorts by round one this year. Will we see the benefits in season 2011 – only time will tell.
Gone are the fat rolls (well not for all) and we welcome the super fit six pack carrying athletes. Maybe not that far, but at least everyone will be able to fit into their shorts by round one this year. Will we see the benefits in season 2011 – only time will tell.
The departure of Hendy (last time he’ll be mentioned on this blog) and a couple of retirements left the list of the aging elite depleted; especially up front. So a recruitment campaign akin to the US Army’s Uncle Sam’s “I want you” back in 1917 was adopted; although AC opted for a more fitting approach for the modern times – an ad on Gumtree.
Responses came in thick and fast and the calibre of athletes was unquestioned as they ran through their paces during the early sessions. Word continued to travel on the grape vine and numbers swelled to the point of an embarrassment of riches and a conundrum for the selection committee. I’m not so good at maths, but with three spots available on the list and six on the short list, I’m sure that leaves a remainder.
Commitment, passion and respect, not to mention football ability were tested and the committee quickly swooped to sign two new players for the squad. Contracts negotiations were a drawn out process due to the player‘s manager, Ricky Nixon being tied up on a scouting mission at a local high school. Finally all were able to agree to terms and now Eddie the Eagle and Daniel are officially part of AC’s finest.
Four sessions into pre-season and things are on the up. No need for fat camp for the boys and the skills are closer to silky than they’ve ever been. Captain Cresswell, WAGS player of the year has had his pass only to Hendy (last time I promise) blinkers surgically removed ensuring that AC’s one dimensional football is a thing of the past – we hope.
The focus now shifts to preparing for the upcoming friendlies with old foe; Ol’ Melbournians and Moreland confirmed and one other in the pipeline. The lads from AC will be either uber prepared come round one, or knackered and unable to make it through the 18 rounds. So get on board for season 2011 and watch this space.
Responses came in thick and fast and the calibre of athletes was unquestioned as they ran through their paces during the early sessions. Word continued to travel on the grape vine and numbers swelled to the point of an embarrassment of riches and a conundrum for the selection committee. I’m not so good at maths, but with three spots available on the list and six on the short list, I’m sure that leaves a remainder.
Commitment, passion and respect, not to mention football ability were tested and the committee quickly swooped to sign two new players for the squad. Contracts negotiations were a drawn out process due to the player‘s manager, Ricky Nixon being tied up on a scouting mission at a local high school. Finally all were able to agree to terms and now Eddie the Eagle and Daniel are officially part of AC’s finest.
Four sessions into pre-season and things are on the up. No need for fat camp for the boys and the skills are closer to silky than they’ve ever been. Captain Cresswell, WAGS player of the year has had his pass only to Hendy (last time I promise) blinkers surgically removed ensuring that AC’s one dimensional football is a thing of the past – we hope.
The focus now shifts to preparing for the upcoming friendlies with old foe; Ol’ Melbournians and Moreland confirmed and one other in the pipeline. The lads from AC will be either uber prepared come round one, or knackered and unable to make it through the 18 rounds. So get on board for season 2011 and watch this space.
