Plan B - 12 August
When Woodley Town boss Cyril Fairchild took over the reigns following promotion to Hellenic Division 1 East in 2009, he laid out a three-year plan for success.
Consolidate in seasons one and two, push for promotion in season three. And now, two years on, it seems Woodley have been victims of their own success.
Rather than consolidate, Woodley pressed for promotion between 2009 and 2011. After falling short both times, they have seen the bulk of their talent leave the club.
This summer, full-back Dan Jewell and winger Adam Jeffrey followed Carl Davies and Luke Williams to Binfield, while goalkeeper Oneal Garnes switched to Reading Town. Fairchild has replaced like for like with regard to Garnes and Jeffrey, bringing in keeper Dan Smith from Hartley Wintney and Brett Rann to play on the wing. However, many of the other players he has signed are untested at this level and Fairchild therefore goes into the new season with some trepidation.
He knows he has plenty of cover across almost every position, but can't be sure just how well his new-look team will perform when the season kicks off. Therefore, the original plan to 'go for it in 2011/12' may have to take a backseat, but should the new players fit in, then expect Woodley to be right up there in the mix come the business end of the season.
Last season: 5th in Hellenic Division 1 East.
Prediction for this season: There will be improvement, but only just - 5th.
Players in: Gary Beresford, Victor Sesay, Jordan Tallett, Daniel Smith, Ben Gonzalez, Karl Sims, Brett Rann, Jordan Sawyer.
Players Out: Dan Jewell, Oneal Garnes, Adam Jeffrey.
Key player: Richard Thomas: The experienced centre-half is team captain as well as a vital player. And, being more than capable of weighing in with a few goals, he will play an important role in building the foundations upon which Woodley can attack.
One to watch: Jordan Sawyer: The young striker has netted four times in two pre-season friendlies and, although untried at this level, could prove to be something of a surprise package this season.
First match: Didcot Town Res (a) Saturday, August 13.
Courtesy of www.getbracknell.co.uk/sport/football |
Players Required - 18 July
Woodley Town are on the lookout for a keeper and strikers and wingers for this coming season.
The Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One East team train every Monday and Thursday at the Earley Home Guard Social Club, Pitts Lane, Earley, RG6 1BT, if you would like to trial for a place please come along to training. We have four friendlies lined up so all new players will be given an opportunity to impress the management team of Cyril Fairchild and his new assistant Craig Hiscock.
The club have also launched their new website on http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/woodleytownfc/. So for all things Woodley this is the place to go. |
