Paul Attfield’s End of Year Report

Hi Everyone.

As we approach yet another new year, 2011 has been a further season of steady progress and we can look forward to 2012 with a great deal of anticipation and excitement.

It is only four years ago that the club was sitting bottom of the South Midlands League Division One and now we are in a genuine position to push for non-league football at step 4 level both on and off the pitch.

The players have done tremendously well in the first half of this season winning 18 of 22 league games, most of which have been thoroughly deserved. The attacking options at our disposal are quite exciting and whilst we average scoring around three goals a game we have tightened up considerably in defence this term and are conceding less than a goal a game. In half of our league games played we have managed to keep clean sheets.

Away from the league we still have active participation in six cup tournaments. A last 32 (4th round) tie in the FA Carlsberg Vase away at Bournemouth in January is an exciting distraction from league activities and something to genuinely look forward to. That combined with Cambs Invitation Cup, Premier Division Cup and Herts Senior Cup Quarter Finals and a Floodlit Cup Semi Final gives the remaining four months of the season a hectic programme and one that must be managed with care and priorities.

In my opinion we have the most in-depth squad in the league and this will need to be utilised to its maximum for the remainder of the season. As yet, for one reason or another, I still have not had everyone available for any one single competitive game.

The League Championship could very well go down to final games of the season. Dunstable Town and AFC Dunstable have terrific sides and both have beaten us up to this stage. A number of other chasing teams can have a serious say if they go on good winning runs which is very possible and nothing will be taken for granted. Our play has been consistently good with great effort and desire from the squad and even games lost have not been necessarily deserved in my opinion.

Our play has been attracting scouts from various football league clubs with a number of players in the frame. Our young 18 year old goalkeeper Will Norris will be training and trialing with Leicester City in early January which is great news for him and the club and a number of other players are being monitored at the moment.

Off the pitch once again my full appreciation and thanks to chairman Steve Jackson whose support has been second to none and the very hard-working, energetic committee who put so much into the running of the club. Our on pitch efforts would not be possible without this support and work!

I am happy to announce that Martin Payne has joined my management/coaching team in the last two weeks. Martin is a UEFA 'A' Licensed Coach and most recently was first team coach at Borehamwood. Martin's knowledge and experience could be essential for our push for honours come the end of the season and I am delighted he has joined myself and Duncan in our efforts.

It just goes for me to wish all our players, staff, committee and supporters a really Happy New Year – one I feel could be undoubtedly exciting

Paul