And so another season comes to an end, and a very interesting season it has been. We have the seen the end of David Robinson's reign, the first season taking the first team to new heights, this season we looked good until the turn of the year and then we faded away somewhat. We wish David all the best in his future wherever it may be.

So in the end the attention fell on the reserves, and needing a win from their final game to avoid relegation. They certainly cut it fine, Kelvin Willimott scoring the goal in the final minute of the final game of the season to complete the escape from the dreaded drop. I must pay tribute to those lads who stuck to the task right to the end to ensure the job was done, it's been an almost watershed season in our recent history with so many youngsters being brought through and blooded. Of course Steve deserves credit for a lot of this in his role heading up youth development at the club i know he is constantly looking ahead, identifying players and ensuring the best youngsters from the village are coming through into the club's senior sides. There was one game this season we had no less than 8 lads between 16-18 years old playing in a league match, and in nearly all the games we've had at least 5 playing and also not being out-classed. The fact that with such a young squad we've managed to maintain Div. 4 status is huge for us as paticularly the 5 16 year-olds we have will be all the better equipped next season as their development continues to make further strides, establishing themselves in the reserves. I know these boys have found playing alongside the likes of Jimmy Dale, Jonny Saunders etc a big help, these long serving Reds have encouraged the youngsters no end and the respect they have earnt will again stand us in good stead next season. So far from us feeling gloomy about the season just gone, it could well be the turning point for years to come. We are close to appointing a new first team manager and there will inevitably be a transitional period as some of last years first team squad move on to new challenges but I fully expect the local players to come together now and with more young players coming into the reserves in 2011/12 we can being to see the dawn of a bright future.

On the subject of the presentation evening last week, I must say it was good to see so many of the ladies squad and their partners attend the evening. They are now an integral part of our football club and I hope to see them continue to get good results next season, so many girls are now enjoying football from a young age and I'm delighted we can reflect that with this team.

It's time for a short break, although off the pitch things are still ticking over, our AGM date will be announced next week.

Enjoy your summer.

George