CREDIT TO ALL!

FREDS hosted their presentation night on Thursday 25th April at Alfredian Park and honours were shared.

THANKS TO THE SUPPORTERS

Andy Hall, Duncan MacDonald, Garry Haines and Olly Stewart for commanding performances on the line and in the field of play.

Also, MASSIVE THANKS to all parents for their commitment, and for supporting the players in their endeavours.

FOUNDATIONS FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE

Although the Oxford Mail Youth B League finishing positions suggest the 2018/19 season was a tough gig, it was massively encouraging away from the numbers.

Seeing a squad of players adhere to a philosophy that makes perfect sense if statistics and professional analysis be trusted, regardless of setback, has been a pleasure.

Playing out from the back and through the thirds may appear to be a method fraught with danger, but it's actually a much more advantageous route to take. When you play out from defence with a 4-4-2 formation, you have 9 players, including the goalkeeper, to work the ball through the first two thirds. Opponents often - but not always - commit 6 players to thwart the process, whether it be in the shape of 4-3-3, 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1.

If a football team cannot work a ball from goal to half-way line with a 9 v 6 advantage, they have bigger problems than being caught in possession once in a while.

It's little wonder that a 40 to 50 yard punt, as an alternative, doesn't make much sense - even if in the moment it appears to be a much safer option. Nine times out off ten that punt just triggers another attack for your opponent because you're hitting two forwards that have to try and get on the end of it and bring the ball under control amidst aggressive hustle from four defenders.

Opponents can commit full-backs forward, press high and reduce the overload from 9 v 6 to 9 v 8, but they have to risk a 2 v 2 at the back, and that then is a perfect opportunity to play longer.

The challenge is the final third - how do we transfer numbers forward once in the middle third? Quickly!

CREDIT TO THE PLAYERS

Lewis ( LJ ) Jordan

LJ has made some spectacular saves this season, and squeezing tennis balls has really paid dividends, slapping no end of long distance shots over the crossbar that looked destined to find the net. The Liverpool fan is clearly comfortable with ball at feet too, welcoming possession with full understanding of responsibility and available options.

Roan Stillion

Incredible strength, speed, co-ordination and agility. Roan is an athlete, and brings high football intellect too. Quickly spots opportunities to break defensive lines. Quality.

Matthew ( Macca ) MacDonald

Macca has gone from strength to strength in recent seasons. His speed makes him difficult to pass, his aerial presence a bonus. Macca, having gotten used to receiving from keeper, is now looking to break lines with surging runs.

Harry ( Alcatraz ) Buckland

'The Rock' from which there's no escape has become a formidable unit in the last two seasons, adding power and speed to the back four. A growing composure in possession has emerged from the high exposure to playing out from the back.

Jacob ( Rocky ) Haines

Rocky brings all those fiesty ingredients football fans love to see. But this season, the robust, resilient sweeper has added great awareness, touch and guile to his attributes. Different class.

Billy ( The Beast ) Beynon

Will has grown in stature this last season. Another big strong unit, difficult to pass because of strength and speed. Quality of passing is much improved too, short and long. When Will, himself, realises what he is capable of, we'll inherit a frightful force.

Alex ( Axel ) Rose

Alex is another much improved player. Alex is beginning to fully grasp his role in and out of possession and has become great addition to the squad, especially being naturally left-sided. Rosey not only demonstrates the ability to take care of his own opponent, but has become very good at covering central areas too when called upon.

Matthew ( Elvis ) Lambe

Elvis has an incredible engine and works tirelessly from box-to-box. He can also strike a fierce shot and goal scoring midfielders are worth their weight in gold.

Matthew ( Goody ) Goodman

An encouraging voice and leader. Goody brings quality of touch, weight of pass, and a rare willingness to get on the ball in tight spaces. As with all midfielders, I see more shots on the horizon.

Jake ( Jakey ) Stewart

Another midfielder without fear. Great touch and industry. A perfect fit for a short pass game. Shots on goal to come.

George Santacana-Melvin

George has improved greatly this season. He benefits massively from playing on the front foot, reading and anticipating 'what next' and instinctively making the right moves ( in and out of possession ). I see really good movement in training ( although still tending to keep it a secret ), and quality efforts on goal, so expect to see more in the 19/20 campaign.

George also has an eye for a killer pass.

Joe George

Joe brings tenacity and aggression, speed, and a growing ability to finish ( from any distance in training ). I think there is a skin being shed here, and hope to see a new asset next season. #Shooter

Jonny ( Hitman or Alfredian Assassin ) Hall

Prolific goalscorer at Alfredian Park and likely to be a serious contender for league top scorer next season. The net buster retains all of his natural attributes and has taken on the captaincy with credit. I don't know what is said in those team huddles before kick-off, but I recognise the spirit that comes out of them. Quality.

Guy ( The Puppeteer ) Woolley

Guy has settled very quickly at Wantage. The puppeteer has brought JPL standards to Alredian Park, but with a classy humility, leading by example. His impressive pass range and eye for breaking lines are going to be massive for the Freds in the new campaign.

Signed at the tail end of the season, but quickly bought into the predicament and busied himself with solution.

Ed Porter

Ed is a model student: listens attentively, willing to learn, great work ethic.

The midfielder has improved his composure, touch and game understanding in the second half of this season. He is an aerial threat in the opponents' box and appreciates the value of aggressively invading space and tenacious hustle. Some great ingredients. Can only see him getting better and better in the next campaign.

Christiano Marsh

Chris has an immaculate touch - evidence of time well spent with a ball and self-investment. Equally good with both feet, short link up, and the driven pass. His defensive recovery lines are strong, along with his dead-ball deliveries.

AWARDS

Manager & Parent Award

JACOB HAINES

Most Improved ( Player & Parent vote )

WILL BEYNON

Players' Player

JACOB HAINES