So, we’ve reached the end of a record-breaking season and there’s certainly a lot to look back on.  If you’re sitting comfortably, then I’ll begin….. It all started back in September with a victory over Slough in the league, and eight months and some fantastic performances later we’ve posted our highest ever finish in the Southern Region Premier League with a colossal 32 points!  Like every season, we’ve had our ups and downs.  For me though, this season it feels like the highs have been just a little higher, testament to the fact that we’re moving in the right direction as a club.  We’ve stuck together as a team through the difficult parts – which made the successes even sweeter.

The highlights of the season for me, apart from the obvious outstanding performances against Chesham and Reading, have been the two away games against Henley and Aldershot.  I’ve picked these two matches as they typify the kind of team performance that we will need next season to improve on this year’s unprecedented success.  Every player contributed to securing a good result, and although we may have been disappointed not to win these games, the performances were first class.  Reaching the first round proper of the FA Cup was certainly one of high points of the season and I’m already looking forward to seeing if we can get a little further next season (Arsenal in the final anyone???).

Having been part of the club for a fairly long time now, I’ve been fortunate enough to watch players improve and get better each season.  Cheered on by WWLFC’s number one supporter (sorry Charlee – had to get your dad in here somewhere!), Charlee has really gone on to fulfil her potential this season and show us all what she’s capable of.    Another star has been Kirsty.  She epitomizes commitment, works hard, always gives 100% and has started to play some excellent football.

Leah and Renee have both shown tremendous improvements in their games this year, ending the season in confident form typified by Ren’s performance vs. Launton.  Ren now needs to concentrate on purchasing a car that isn’t a pink Skoda, and Leah, well her driving is simply excellent….. (you can pay me later!)  Twiggy has made a great addition to the squad, in particular, her provision of Haribo for away games has been key.  Some quality performances and well taken set-pieces undoubtedly helped by her love of barn dancing.

Esther and Hazel, our dynamic defensive duo.  Both have put in consistently good performances making it difficult for the opposition to score.  Esther has even started throwing a few skills into her game, mesmorising (OK - scaring) everyone with the occasional drag-back.  Esther’s real talent however, lies in pointing out ‘interesting’ things.  Hazel’s put in some really great performances and shown nerves of steel scoring the winning penalty vs. Slough in the FA Cup shoot-out.  Sometimes I forget that it’s her first full season in the first team… until she asks me what the offside rule is. I hope that she doesn’t fall in love with Australia, we will miss her at the start of next season.  Su’s goals, as always, have been invaluable to the team this season, and not a single red card…  Must be mellowing out a little Scooby!

And thanks to everyone else who has played this season, it’s been great to see Ros slot so effortlessly into the team and Jodie make frequent trips back to play for us.  It’s been good to see Louey back too and the standard of keeping has been very high throughout the season.  Finally, I’d like to say thanks to Speedie and Graham.  “Multi-ball!”.  Speedie has done an excellent job coaching, taking pre-match warm up’s and running the line (not an easy job when you get abuse from your own players as well as the opposition….no names mentioned Esther! ;)  And now that you have your bouncers qualification Speedie, I’d take extra care, there are a few people in the team who have been know to shout abuse at bouncers now and then…. 

And as for Graham, well, what can you say….different gravy.   We all know how much hard work Graham puts into running the team and the club certainly wouldn’t be the same without him.  Although a couple of players have suggested that you might want to consider getting a hearing aid for next season Grazzy…. ;)

And now before I send you all to sleep, it’s been an absolute pleasure to play for the team this season, and a real honour to be captain.  I’m already looking forward to next season when hopefully we can build on our success and aim just a little bit higher.  Onwards and Upwards! J