Thinking big...

Pre-season is not about winning games but preparing for the season ahead.

When I took over last season, I used the mantra of “Doing things differently“ as I was not prepared to spend my time disrespecting the players by allowing them to endure another torrid and turgid year.

We did do things differently and that paid dividends. Last season’s mantra becomes this season’s minimum.

Off the field the 45s have done so much and pre-season matches are about preparing for the 9 months ahead, not just 90 minutes.

I take inspiration from a variety of sources and not only football.

This time round, I want us to live up to ideals of a woman that achieved more than most men will ever come close to recognising, let alone emulating.

Eleanor Roosevelt is often quoted as saying;

Great minds discuss ideas...

Average minds discuss events....

Small minds discuss people...

We welcomed one of the best teams in Essex to CM6 on Saturday in the shape of Bishop's Stortford. The Essex Vets League is one of the largest, most competitive and high profile in the country. This would be no walk-in-the-park at CM6.

I prepared the squad by sending them my thinking in mid-week. Some absences, no keeper, hangovers from the night before and a case of Colic for Molty meant plans (ideas) were being reshaped.

A new formation, instructions and tactics were delivered to devastating effect in the first 10mins. Playing up the slight gradient and against the wind, Roding stormed into a 2-0 lead with goals from Holly and Splinters, as well as hitting the woodwork twice.

Despite 2 early injuries and enforced substitutions, Roding were more than good value for their halftime lead and arguably should have gone in further ahead. Everyone of the 13 that played in the first 45mins deserve the applause from the squad and appreciation from the opposition. Ev played his first minutes and Crocker was now released from quarantine.

Then halftime happened.

I do not want to discuss much about what I witnessed, but giving away 4 goals and the reaction of those who also conceded 2 well taken efforts concerned and disappointed me. Even so, we still smashed the woodwork again, and others went close.

The idea to beat Stortford was the right one, let down by events and people.

Each game and period in a season is unique. I have advantage of seeing a collective availability, fitness, injury and fixture list... meaning that ideas will develop and deviate. Individual players are not so fortunate but have to trust the ideas conceived and conveyed.

All must look at themselves for the answers to their questions, including the Gaffer.

The season is a 3 weeks away with a Cup Final shortly thereafter... more new ideas will be forthcoming as my challenge to the squad is to win the League and based on the first half on Saturday, this is within our capabilities.

Well played to Stortford for a strong second half.

Ideas for a post-match chilli

(mostly organic)

British Beef mince

Smoked Paprika

Ground Cumin

Coriander

Carrots

Celery

Sweet Peppers

Chilli flakes

Garlic

Tomatoes

Pomegranate Molasses

Red Wine

Parsley

Served with Potato Wedges, Rice and Sour Cream