I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to the lead the men’s first team into a new season. With everything that’s gone on, to have 8 friendlies behind us and to be playing for points as early as September 5th is a testament to the solutions attitude taken by local clubs as we emerge from a few dark months.
As far as this season goes, I’m delighted with the work the lads have put in. Long before there was any ‘mud on boots’ the players embarked on their own strength and conditioning programme via Zoom which gave us the basis to attack the typical pre season at full pelt once it arrived.
I decided to take a throw back approach to sessions, running the lads until they were hurling abuse at me and/or hurling in the hedge!! We look fitter all round for it.
Helston is a fantastic match to get going with. We can turn up there as big underdogs and have a real go. I’ve seen enough in pre season to know that we’ve got enough about us to upset some of the top sides in the league this season if we get things right in both penalty areas.
I’ve managed to bring in players that have the physical profiles I like for the positions they occupy. I’ve acquired lads for the formation I want to play rather than play a formation that fits the players we have at the club. It takes time to get to this state but we are well on the way I believe.
They say it’s great for a manager to have selection headaches and whilst I agree with that sentiment, having 20 players raring to go is causing a different kind of sleepless night. I’ll never get used to leaving players out, it’s by far the worst part of the job, made more difficult currently by how hard they’ve all worked.
We had a really positive meeting on Thursday and the lads seem to understand the core teamwork values that we will need, to improve upon what I thought was a mediocre season last time.
A result on Saturday would set us on our way nicely!!
Paul Rowe
1st Team Manager
