We welcome the players, staff and supporters of St Dennis to Bodieve Park for this SWPL season opener.
Since I started managing the Bridgers, I’ve often said it’s the things that you could never predict that provide the biggest headaches.
Of course football is trivial in the grand scheme of all things Covid but I’m sure I speak for all gaffers when I say it’s been extremely challenging
Having 5 friendlies cancelled means that we will go into this match under cooked, both with our physical preparations and tactically. We had planned over the winter a shift in how we go about things from a shape viewpoint, but the reality is we haven’t been able to work on it as much as we would have liked, so it will be more of something we switch to in game to try to solve a problem, than ‘The New Normal’ at this stage.
Having said all that, it’s wonderful to be getting going. Supporters back into the grounds too. Some of the numbers that have been turning up for the early competitive games have been extremely encouraging. Cornish football is alive and well.
From our point of view it’s been a quiet summer for ins and outs so far.
The two big departures are Kieran Rowe and Jack Mackenzie, who have both accepted scholarships from universities in the USA.
We wish them all the best.
Whilst we will need to add to the group, I’m prepared to be patient and get the right players, with the desired attributes in to strengthen the squad. The fixture schedule isn’t quite as intense this year and that affords us the time, injuries permitting, to give ourselves the space to get it right. One addition that I believe fits the bill is Tom Mclachlan who has joined us from Camelford. Welcome Tom.
One off field departure is that of Robin Watt. Robin has been an enormous help to me since I took over, his knowledge and passion are well known throughout the county and we’ve been fortunate to witness that first hand at Wadebridge.
I’d like to wish the opposition manager Brian Banfield all the best in his new role.
I know Brian from playing with him in an incredibly enjoyable season I spent at St Dennis and know he will give absolutely everything to try to be successful. Welcome to the sleepless nights club mate!!
It really is great to be back, handing over my happiness for the entire weekend, to whether a bunch of lads in red score more than the other team, is probably weird, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Enjoy the game everyone.
Rower.
Matchday Programme – St Dennis Home 2021
1st Team Fixtures – August 2021
