Report

The Paul Fletcher  Memorial Trophy match at the Ricoh Arena went ahead despite the atrocious weather we have suffered recently which is testimony to the quality of the venue and the hard working ground staff.

The squad met up early to have a healthy pre-match meal and it was obvious that they couldn’t wait to get on with the game.

All of the boys looked immaculate as we made our way to the stadium hopeful of a good performance.

At the last training session I asked the boys to put on a display that was worthy of their talents, to play the match by getting the ball and pass it in style.

The surface was slick, suiting our game plan, the boys were a pleasure to watch and hopefully the crowd were entertained, for us it was all and more than we had envisaged.

The first half was a mixture, but once the nerves had settled, the lads grew in stature and strength.

The disappointment of conceding two goals within 25 minutes did not deter them, they still played bright football and when Bradley Hardwick’s first goal went in before half time the weight was lifted off the teams’ communal shoulders!

Bradley’s goal was of a high quality, skipping past two defenders and rounding the ‘keeper to score our first goal.

Going in at half time 2-1 down was not a problem to me as I felt we had enough to take Swindon in the second half.

Sure enough, that was how it panned out, the strength and depth was always comforting and the six changes at half time certainly helped, bringing on fresh legs allowed us to turn up the pressure.

Our Captain, Nawid Adelyar gave us the equaliser and also our third goal to put us in front.

Followed by Jamie Healy for the fourth, another from Bradley Hardwick made it five and last but by no means least, a sixth from Tom James!

The quality of the performance was great and while there were some superb individual performances, the squad as a whole were a credit today and it would be unfair for me to single out any individuals for a special mention.

All of the boys should be very proud of their performances, for Steve and myself it was great to see that all their hard work over the time they have been with us has made them more complete footballers and a solid unit with a tremendous spirit and togetherness, which shone through.

For both of us it was particularly pleasing to hear all the kind words from many quarters on the quality of the football played by “our boys”.

I am sure that they will all treasure the memories of this match and also all of the others they have taken part in, and will look back with pride on being part of something special.

It has been a great pleasure to have been with this group of players and watch them develop both as footballers and young men .

Steve and myself are very proud of each and every one of you and wish you all the best for your futures, not just in your football but in your lives, wherever and whatever that may bring.

With this group of players, as with previous squads, there have been a few obstacles in our path which we have tried to deal with in a professional manner as the development of the group is always paramount in our thoughts. I sincerely hope we have managed to do that.

We have seen a massive improvement in the group over the four years and today’s performance showed just how far they have come, both as players and as young men who can be relied on to always strive to be better. A good lesson for their futures and I know they will have the right temperament to succeed.

To the parents and families, thanks for all your wonderful support in backing this fixture the way you have.

You and your sponsors made this a very successful event, not only for the squad but also in helping sustain Coventry Schools F.A. aim to continue supporting schoolboy  football.

Without your support we could not operate in the manner that is needed to develop more young players in the future.  

This fixture is always a bitter/sweet event for us, as it means our time together is coming to an end, but we can also take great satisfaction in a job well done, thanks to all of you!

Good Luck

Paul & Steve