Gower Phoenix 2009/10 Review of the Season

The men of the Phoenix enjoyed a mixed season, doing well in the Group Cup before exiting at the Semi-Final. In the league too many games were drawn which should have been won, which was frustrating as it means that our low league position does not reflect what is a talented team.

Too often squad availability was a key determinant of results. Phoenix lost several players in the post-Season including former player of the season Jon Hanna and Greg Laing. During the season goalkeeper Allister quit, Bolu left to work in Hong Kong and Jamie Davis went travelling. Moving to south London restricted the appearances of the talented Rob too.

Welcome new additions to the squad mean that as long as people are committed, we can hope for a far more productive 2010/11 season. Benji is a flexible player who can play on either flank and has brought alot of character to the team (as well as many of his friends too!). Ronnie is a real find and will be one of the most important players for the next campaign – clearly a goal threat and a dynamic chap to boot. Also welcome to the Phoenix to Erik and Ulrich. Erik seems to be able to play anywhere on the pitch and has real technique. Max Klinger could be the new Russ! Ulrich has always one of the league’s best keepers with Crown and Goose and we welcome him with open arms to the Phoenix.

Players we’d like to see more of include Charlie of whom we saw glimpses of, Miles – Phoenix from the start but away alot and missed, Alex Wright – maybe the best defender in the club, the rapid Nick, Danny’s mate Ash who scored one of the individual goals of the season in the cup semi, Rob who now lives in South London but is amazing, Jo Paley and his mate Fred, Bolu and any of his brothers!

In terms of the regulars Jamie Wood consolidated himself as an excellent centre back during the season. I don’t think I’ve seen him lose a header. Playing alongside him we didn’t see enough of Treen as we’d have liked too, Selbie was determined and brave as ever and Bradley, the ‘Essien’ of the Phoenix, was full of running and scored a couple of spectacular goals including an amazing curling effort against Virgin.

The Wall is a pillar of Phoenix football and the most dependable member of the team, even playing in the driving rain when he was struggling with the flu. Henry D was there from the start of the Phoenix team and still is one of the true characters of the team, what he lacks in football skills he makes up for with big tackles and lots of running. Luke Hill also braved being between the sticks during the season, at one point leaving his wedding ring somewhere on a pitch at UCS! New boy Henry was one of the finds of the season – the Emmanuel Petit of the Phoenix – all big tackles and solid distribution, also managed to juggle playing with the birth of his first child. Mitch moved from Allstars and worked his socks off for his new team. Jules was always one of our more threatening players but will know that he has the ability to be far more devastating – with his pace and skill he really should be up there with the top scorers.

Toby did score a fair few including a brilliant hat trick against the All Stars, but struggled with fitness and shin splints for a fair amount of the season. Adam Lucas was second top scorer and is always and danger coming from deep, was a solid vice-skipper too.

Nominations for Player of the Season

Henry
Jamie Wood
Toby

Nominations for Clubman of the Season

Bradley
Henry De’ath
Jon Selbie

Please email your choices to jdenselow@hotmail.com