Dawlish United Under 8’s Presentation 2007
Thanks :
Paul Ranger – Thanks to Paul for assisting me throughout the season and particularly whilst I was incapacitated.
Graeme Weaver – Thanks to Graeme for transporting the players and supporting to nearly all our away games.
Darren Wright – Thanks to Darren to refereeing all of our home games, generally in an unbiased manner with one exception at home to Crediton.
Cara Downing & Karen Hannaford – Thanks to Cara and Karen for organising our fundraising which saw us raise £192 to assist with club funding of pitches, equipment and league fees.
Players & supporters – Special thanks to all the players for their commitment and enthusiasm. Thanks to the supporters for cheering us along and sharing the season’s highs and lows.
Summary of Season:
Our inaugural season in the Exeter Friendly League saw us play 23 games, we lost 3 (one cup game at Crediton) drew 1 and won 19 games. All our outfield players scored some 106 goals between them and we conceded only 19 goals. We got to the final of the St Martins Tournament and lost 3-1.
Worthy of particular mention is the fantastic performance and result we achieved against Crediton who at that point were unbeaten. Having lost 2-1 in the cup to Crediton the boys we very determined to put the record straight and we could have asked no more of them. They played with determination, discipline and a very high work rate to beat Crediton 6-2, despite not having our regular goalkeeper through injury.
Overall I consider the boys should be very pleased with their performances and an excellent fist season in the league.
Trophies:
Manager's Player – This award goes to a player who has been a very consistent and solid performer. He has scored 13 goals during the season. His achievements for the season though are not necessarily for his goals, although some of them were pretty good and notably a header away to Kentisbeare but for his outstanding defending and reading of the game. The award for manager’s player of the season goes to Frankie Maloney.
Player's Player – This award was very closely contested with the need to ask some players to re vote between two players following a tie initially. The award goes to a player who has scored 12 goals during the season and someone that can only be described as being at the heart of the team. His key contributions to the team were his determination and work rate and a good all round contributor both scoring and setting up goals for others. The award for player’s player of the season goes to Max Armitage.
Leading Goal Scorer – This award goes to a player that has scored an incredible 30 goals in one season, something for which any premiership player would be proud. His contributions not only include his notable goal scoring during the season but also at times very unselfish play to set up others when he himself had good goal scoring opportunities. He has also considerably developed his left foot and has scored several good left foot goals. The leading goal scorer award goes to Luke Morgan.
Most Improved Player – This award goes to a player who in his first season has developed his game considerably. Indeed at the St Martins tournament last year he only just really started playing in his current position. He has spent many games during the season as a mere spectator but even in these games and certainly in others he has demonstrated how his game has improved beyond recognition. Indeed some of the skills he has demonstrated have been breathtaking. The award for the most improved player of the season goes to some that has scored no goals but has stopped many, Harvey Hannaford.
Clubman of the Year – This award goes to a player that has also improved his game considerably during the season. He has achieved this by always been attentive at training and during the team and half time talks during games. He works consistently hard and has scored 5 goals a particularly memorable volley when we played at Exminster early in the season. He is one of only to players to have attended every training session. His contributions extended beyond his footballing during the season but also for his care and compassion towards another player. During the St Martins tournament his unselfishly gave his place in the team to another player. The award for the clubman of the year goes to Matthew Ranger.
Other Trophies
Jack Arnold – Defender and scorer of 3 goals during the season. He also unselfishly gave up his place at the St Martins tournament to enable other players to play. He has developed key skills for his good defending and tackling.
Cody Rackley - Defender and stand in goalkeeper scorer of 2 goals, one in particular was a power driver from considerable distance away at Kentisbeare which gave the keeper no change. His contributions include his determination to win and not concede goals and his strong tackling ability.
Nick Langley-Pope – Defender, stand in goalkeeper and midfield and scorer of 1 goal. Nick was new to the team and to Dawlish this season and has settled in well and has several good friends. His contributions included his high work rate, good positioning and tacking ability.
Jamie Middleton – Midfield, defender and striker scorer of 16 goals some of which were breathtaking as well the wide range of skills his consistently demonstrates. Jamie should consider himself very unluckly not to have picker up the managers or players player of the year award this season as he came very close. His key skills not only include scoring excellent goals and demonstrating considerable skills but for the versatility he has shown to play in several different positions without complaint.
Sam Wright – Midfield, striker and scorer of 12 goals some of which were on the half volley or the right foot. Sam has played consistently well and has made a valuable contribution to the rest of the team through his passing ability and setting up others to score. He has developed a sweet left foot.
Corie Cleave – Midfield, defence and striker and scorer of 9 goals, 4 in one game away at Countess Wear. Corie’s game has developed considerably as the season has progressed and he has put in some good performances. His contributions included his fearless battling to win the ball and his cheeky approach, not to mention all the clothes he has left behind. It is also his birthday to please join me in wishing him a very happy birthday.
Darran Armitage
Manager June 2007
