Whizz adds to Whizzer signing with shrewd purchase
Billy Whizz's Wonderboys moved late to sign Peter O'Reilly tonight, for a fee of 25m. The defensive midfield player is the Wonderboys 2nd signing of the season so far.
"He's a very talented boy, and can only get better" said manager Billy Whizz, "We're very optimistic about his future at the club, and we feel he can have a key part to play both now, and particularly in the coming seasons"
Whizz also revealed that Robert Matthews, the defender, has been placed on the transfer list, although no bid has yet been placed on him.
Any new signings are revealed on this blog first, so check regularly for the latest Wonderboys news.
A blog with the latest news about Billy Whizz's Wonderboys, an English team on Trophy Manager
EXCLUSIVE: Whizz on Season 24
Whizzer's manager Billy Whizz writes exclusively for the Wonderboys blogs on his hopes for Season 24
I wish you all a warm welcome to the rollercoaster that is a Trophy Manager season, as we prepare for Season 24, our 4th in Division 5. Last time round, much was promised, but a devastating run left us languishing in 9th position. We hope the break of games for a week or two will help us forget the demons we had during that run, and we can focus on starting the season in a positive manner against Bohos B.
I believe the club has managed to pull of a real coup in the close season by signing Whizzer. While he may not have the youthful energy of Khalid Shehata, he brings plenty of experience, something that his predecessor didn't have - and that is no dig at Khalid. I truly believe that our defensive side of things should now be stronger, although there is much work to do. The defence has been put under a lot of scrutiny during recent seasons, and it remains far from perfect, but we're hoping our goals conceded will be less with Whizzer between the sticks. We are looking to improve the defence by perhaps bringing a new face in, but like all these things, they take time, and we are not prepared to spend the club's cash recklessly. If there is nobody out there that we feel can improve our team, and offers value for money, then we will not make a purchase. I apologise if that is not the answer that supporters are looking for, but we're all in this together
We will be aiming for promotion this year, and we hope our experiences from last season will help us, but there is a lot of good competition in the league this year. The two teams that went up last season were comfortably the strongest, meaning this year there are lots of 'good' teams, but none that are 'outstanding'. I would say that at this stage, we are outsiders for promotion, but if we get a good start, then there's no reason why we shouldn't be in with a shout. It's very hard to predict pre-season, and all managers will have a clearer idea about where their teams lie after a few games. While some teams will be going hell for leather for promotion, the chairman and I believe our policy of considerable investment in youth players will stand us in the best stead in the long term. When you see a team with little facilities, few youngsters, and a small stadium, and they beat us, I urge you to think where the two teams will be in 3, 4 or 5 seasons time. Football is a long term game, and while some teams will doubtless achieve 'flash in the pan' success, sometimes it can be the relatively slow burners that win the race - after all, wouldn't fans love to see a local Wonderboys supporting youth player develop into a key first team squad member, rather than aging imports brought in for a season or two? I know which I would prefer, and that is the aim.
Up the Whizzers,
Billy Whizz - Billy Whizz's Wonderboys first team manager
I wish you all a warm welcome to the rollercoaster that is a Trophy Manager season, as we prepare for Season 24, our 4th in Division 5. Last time round, much was promised, but a devastating run left us languishing in 9th position. We hope the break of games for a week or two will help us forget the demons we had during that run, and we can focus on starting the season in a positive manner against Bohos B.
I believe the club has managed to pull of a real coup in the close season by signing Whizzer. While he may not have the youthful energy of Khalid Shehata, he brings plenty of experience, something that his predecessor didn't have - and that is no dig at Khalid. I truly believe that our defensive side of things should now be stronger, although there is much work to do. The defence has been put under a lot of scrutiny during recent seasons, and it remains far from perfect, but we're hoping our goals conceded will be less with Whizzer between the sticks. We are looking to improve the defence by perhaps bringing a new face in, but like all these things, they take time, and we are not prepared to spend the club's cash recklessly. If there is nobody out there that we feel can improve our team, and offers value for money, then we will not make a purchase. I apologise if that is not the answer that supporters are looking for, but we're all in this together
We will be aiming for promotion this year, and we hope our experiences from last season will help us, but there is a lot of good competition in the league this year. The two teams that went up last season were comfortably the strongest, meaning this year there are lots of 'good' teams, but none that are 'outstanding'. I would say that at this stage, we are outsiders for promotion, but if we get a good start, then there's no reason why we shouldn't be in with a shout. It's very hard to predict pre-season, and all managers will have a clearer idea about where their teams lie after a few games. While some teams will be going hell for leather for promotion, the chairman and I believe our policy of considerable investment in youth players will stand us in the best stead in the long term. When you see a team with little facilities, few youngsters, and a small stadium, and they beat us, I urge you to think where the two teams will be in 3, 4 or 5 seasons time. Football is a long term game, and while some teams will doubtless achieve 'flash in the pan' success, sometimes it can be the relatively slow burners that win the race - after all, wouldn't fans love to see a local Wonderboys supporting youth player develop into a key first team squad member, rather than aging imports brought in for a season or two? I know which I would prefer, and that is the aim.
Up the Whizzers,
Billy Whizz - Billy Whizz's Wonderboys first team manager
Whizzer completes Wonderboys move
Whizz acts quick to sign Shehata replacement
Jack 'Whizzer' Leese was announced as a Billy Whizz's Wonderboys player this morning, on the day of the opening matches of the Season 24 campaign. The signing comes less than 2 days after the Season update was made.
Whizzer arrives at Shitters Palace following a one and a half season spell at the Theatre of Trees, home of The Forest Boys FC, and did enough to impress Billy Whizz into action. The transfer was always likely, with a number of factors pushing the deal forward. The Forest Boys signed a new keeper in Skenlar halfway through last season, meaning Whizzer wouldn't be the clubs first choice goalkeeper. Whizz had decided towards the end of last season to sell Egyptian keeper Khalid Shehata once the season had finished, and bring in a more experienced man between the sticks. With Whizz being a long term fan of Whizzer, the choice was obvious, and the deal was arranged long before last Monday.
It will also come to a relief, no doubt, to Wonderboys fans, who feared that the team could be without a 'number one' goalkeeper in tonights opening game against Bohos B, but Whizz said today that would have been 'highly unlikely', even if the Whizz deal hadn't come off:
"I'm delighted we were able to complete this transfer. Whizzer is a quality 'keeper, and brings a wealth of experience to the club. The defence has been the weakest point of the team for a while now, and we are trying to get that to change - Whizzer will be a marvellous help to that, and we hope that we can keep more clean sheets this time round"
"It will not be an instant success for the team, and we should not assume that Whizzer will solve all of our problems. Perhaps we have been at fault at times in searching for a single reason why we had our bad run last season - stepping back, I think we should see that there were a number of reasons. With Whizzer arriving here, we think we have helped one of those areas - but this isn't going to make the others go away"
Whizzer will go straight into tonight's squad against Bohos B. More team news and previews of the seasons big kick off will appear on this blog later.
Jack 'Whizzer' Leese was announced as a Billy Whizz's Wonderboys player this morning, on the day of the opening matches of the Season 24 campaign. The signing comes less than 2 days after the Season update was made.
Whizzer arrives at Shitters Palace following a one and a half season spell at the Theatre of Trees, home of The Forest Boys FC, and did enough to impress Billy Whizz into action. The transfer was always likely, with a number of factors pushing the deal forward. The Forest Boys signed a new keeper in Skenlar halfway through last season, meaning Whizzer wouldn't be the clubs first choice goalkeeper. Whizz had decided towards the end of last season to sell Egyptian keeper Khalid Shehata once the season had finished, and bring in a more experienced man between the sticks. With Whizz being a long term fan of Whizzer, the choice was obvious, and the deal was arranged long before last Monday.
It will also come to a relief, no doubt, to Wonderboys fans, who feared that the team could be without a 'number one' goalkeeper in tonights opening game against Bohos B, but Whizz said today that would have been 'highly unlikely', even if the Whizz deal hadn't come off:
"I'm delighted we were able to complete this transfer. Whizzer is a quality 'keeper, and brings a wealth of experience to the club. The defence has been the weakest point of the team for a while now, and we are trying to get that to change - Whizzer will be a marvellous help to that, and we hope that we can keep more clean sheets this time round"
"It will not be an instant success for the team, and we should not assume that Whizzer will solve all of our problems. Perhaps we have been at fault at times in searching for a single reason why we had our bad run last season - stepping back, I think we should see that there were a number of reasons. With Whizzer arriving here, we think we have helped one of those areas - but this isn't going to make the others go away"
Whizzer will go straight into tonight's squad against Bohos B. More team news and previews of the seasons big kick off will appear on this blog later.
Whizzers get 50m for Shehata
Egyptian 'keeper leaves Whizzers, as recruitment drive commences
Billy Whizz's Wonderboys received a fee of over 50m for goalkeeper Khalid Shehata, bringing the end to the young keepers 2 year stay at the club.
As was revealed on this blog last week, Shehata was placed on the list after Whizz decided a more experienced keeper was needed for his side to progress in Division 5.
"We're pleased Shehata had the opportunity to return to Egypt and we wish him all the best in the future." said Whizz
"We're happy with the fee we got, and the drive for a new keeper is well under way. Several players are under consideration, we're hopeful of signing one before Wednesday's game for sure, but until then Cartman is a capable stand in."
More build up to the first game of the season will be on this blog today and tomorrow, and any new signings will be announced on here first.
Billy Whizz's Wonderboys received a fee of over 50m for goalkeeper Khalid Shehata, bringing the end to the young keepers 2 year stay at the club.
As was revealed on this blog last week, Shehata was placed on the list after Whizz decided a more experienced keeper was needed for his side to progress in Division 5.
"We're pleased Shehata had the opportunity to return to Egypt and we wish him all the best in the future." said Whizz
"We're happy with the fee we got, and the drive for a new keeper is well under way. Several players are under consideration, we're hopeful of signing one before Wednesday's game for sure, but until then Cartman is a capable stand in."
More build up to the first game of the season will be on this blog today and tomorrow, and any new signings will be announced on here first.
Whizz defends transfer policy as season ends in defeat
Wonderboys manager insists long term strategy is best for club
Billy Whizz's Wonderboys manager Billy Whizz has strongly defended his minimalist transfer approach for this season's update. As was exclusively revealed on the Wonderboys official blog yesterday, Whizz has opted against mass change in pursuit of star players, instead insisting that the Wonderboys strategy was decided 'seasons ago', and the club must stick to it, however attractive the short term benefits may appear.
"The chairman and I decided that considerable investment in the development of youths was the best way forward for the club. In the long term, many assets will be produced, and that is the difficulty at the minute, we have very few sellable assets, and therefore we are spending very large amounts of money, with what seems to be no payback. However, when you look at it, we've got some smashing players coming through, and will be pushing for first team places in a couple of seasons. That's the benefits in what we're doing"
After finishing 8th in the 5.10 table, the Whizzers will receive a 41m payout from their sponsors, after the season update on Monday, which Whizz says will be used to buy 'one, possibly two players'. A keeper will be a number one priority, following the proposed sale of Khalid Shehata, however new signings are thought to be unlikely at this stage, and one source told the blog that any arrivals would be seen as 'bonuses', and would be likely to be funded through player sales.
This has left critics to suggest that progress for the Wonderboys would be 'painfully slow, if at all', and the source admitted that promotion next season would be 'doubtful', and explained Whizz's dilemma:
"He knows that we need a new defender, and a new striker, but he's not prepared to sell 4 or 5 players, at slashed prices, just to achieve this. It's difficult, because the club just doesn't have the funds. All the money is being pumped into YD, and we will see no players from that for a couple of seasons, at least, so there is no surplus cash floating around"
The Wonderboys finished the season on a bum note, losing to 13th placed Wensley Wanderers 2-1, despite an early Luke Groves goal. Slack finishing and defending saw the Wanderers run out deserved winners, as the Wonderboys sorely missed Inchingolo, Meredith, and Hawthorn, who was injured after just 15 minutes.
Billy Whizz's Wonderboys manager Billy Whizz has strongly defended his minimalist transfer approach for this season's update. As was exclusively revealed on the Wonderboys official blog yesterday, Whizz has opted against mass change in pursuit of star players, instead insisting that the Wonderboys strategy was decided 'seasons ago', and the club must stick to it, however attractive the short term benefits may appear.
"The chairman and I decided that considerable investment in the development of youths was the best way forward for the club. In the long term, many assets will be produced, and that is the difficulty at the minute, we have very few sellable assets, and therefore we are spending very large amounts of money, with what seems to be no payback. However, when you look at it, we've got some smashing players coming through, and will be pushing for first team places in a couple of seasons. That's the benefits in what we're doing"
After finishing 8th in the 5.10 table, the Whizzers will receive a 41m payout from their sponsors, after the season update on Monday, which Whizz says will be used to buy 'one, possibly two players'. A keeper will be a number one priority, following the proposed sale of Khalid Shehata, however new signings are thought to be unlikely at this stage, and one source told the blog that any arrivals would be seen as 'bonuses', and would be likely to be funded through player sales.
This has left critics to suggest that progress for the Wonderboys would be 'painfully slow, if at all', and the source admitted that promotion next season would be 'doubtful', and explained Whizz's dilemma:
"He knows that we need a new defender, and a new striker, but he's not prepared to sell 4 or 5 players, at slashed prices, just to achieve this. It's difficult, because the club just doesn't have the funds. All the money is being pumped into YD, and we will see no players from that for a couple of seasons, at least, so there is no surplus cash floating around"
The Wonderboys finished the season on a bum note, losing to 13th placed Wensley Wanderers 2-1, despite an early Luke Groves goal. Slack finishing and defending saw the Wanderers run out deserved winners, as the Wonderboys sorely missed Inchingolo, Meredith, and Hawthorn, who was injured after just 15 minutes.
Whizz: Dozens of players considered
Wonderboys manager tells of 'painful' transfer decisions
Billy Whizz's Wonderboys manager Billy Whizz has today come clean about the incessant speculation about who may be leaving and joining the club at the season update.
Whizz admitted that a '4 player cull' was considered at one point, in an attempt to sign one or two 'superstars', but has confirmed this evening that a more restricted approach would be taken:
"Today's been a prett hectic day, as we've been negotiating deals both ends. Obviously, from our point of view, any player signed before the Season Update would be beneficial, because it would cost somewhat less than afterwards, but it's mightly difficult to get your own players out to meet those deadlines as well."
"We're getting a rather substantial amount from our sponsors, but the rest of the money would have to be funded through player sales, which is horrible from my point of view. We were looking at 3 players, who are all stars, and looking to sell 4 or 5 squad members just to be in with a chance of signing them. Realistically though, they're way out of our league. While you see some super player available, who ticks every box, you sometimes get a bit too surefire, and keen to get them, without taking a step back, and thinking logically."
"At one stage, we were considering only having 2 strikers at the club. Thats how silly things were getting. We, as a club, have chosen a certain route to go down, and we've got to stick by it. Yes, if everything had come off, we would have a Division 4 squad, of that there is no doubt. But there was a 99% chance it wouldn't have come off, and we'd have been caught with our pants down. In one respect it's disappointing, as we've worked our arses off today with pens and calculators going everywhere, and being on the phone, chatting and emailing other clubs nearly every minute, but it's just too much - we would be sacrificing a hell of a lot, and we might not even get those guys."
When asked about Khalid Shehata being placed on the transfer list, Whizz was insistent that it was necessary for the club's progression:
"He's been great since he's come here, but realistically we need someone more experienced, Khalid is just too raw. He can be a world beater on his day, but overall I think we needed to see a little bit more from him. Hopefully he can join a good club on Friday evening, and from the cash generated we can find a replacement."
"We think we've found someone, and we have a deal agreed, but it depends on retirements in their squad. We've got our fingers crossed here, because we could be getting a fantastic keeper for a good price. If things don't go our way, then we should have sufficient cash to enter the market with confidence anyway, but we're very hopeful of this deal going ahead"
The Wonderboys finish the season at Wensley Wanderers tomorrow night.
Billy Whizz's Wonderboys manager Billy Whizz has today come clean about the incessant speculation about who may be leaving and joining the club at the season update.
Whizz admitted that a '4 player cull' was considered at one point, in an attempt to sign one or two 'superstars', but has confirmed this evening that a more restricted approach would be taken:
"Today's been a prett hectic day, as we've been negotiating deals both ends. Obviously, from our point of view, any player signed before the Season Update would be beneficial, because it would cost somewhat less than afterwards, but it's mightly difficult to get your own players out to meet those deadlines as well."
"We're getting a rather substantial amount from our sponsors, but the rest of the money would have to be funded through player sales, which is horrible from my point of view. We were looking at 3 players, who are all stars, and looking to sell 4 or 5 squad members just to be in with a chance of signing them. Realistically though, they're way out of our league. While you see some super player available, who ticks every box, you sometimes get a bit too surefire, and keen to get them, without taking a step back, and thinking logically."
"At one stage, we were considering only having 2 strikers at the club. Thats how silly things were getting. We, as a club, have chosen a certain route to go down, and we've got to stick by it. Yes, if everything had come off, we would have a Division 4 squad, of that there is no doubt. But there was a 99% chance it wouldn't have come off, and we'd have been caught with our pants down. In one respect it's disappointing, as we've worked our arses off today with pens and calculators going everywhere, and being on the phone, chatting and emailing other clubs nearly every minute, but it's just too much - we would be sacrificing a hell of a lot, and we might not even get those guys."
When asked about Khalid Shehata being placed on the transfer list, Whizz was insistent that it was necessary for the club's progression:
"He's been great since he's come here, but realistically we need someone more experienced, Khalid is just too raw. He can be a world beater on his day, but overall I think we needed to see a little bit more from him. Hopefully he can join a good club on Friday evening, and from the cash generated we can find a replacement."
"We think we've found someone, and we have a deal agreed, but it depends on retirements in their squad. We've got our fingers crossed here, because we could be getting a fantastic keeper for a good price. If things don't go our way, then we should have sufficient cash to enter the market with confidence anyway, but we're very hopeful of this deal going ahead"
The Wonderboys finish the season at Wensley Wanderers tomorrow night.
Shehata axed as planning commences
Veteran keeper to be preferred as Whizzers prepare for Season 24
It can be revealed that Wonderboys keeper Khalid Shehata has been placed on the transfer list, as manager Billy Whizz looks to prepare his side for a promotion challenge in Season 24.
Following a disappointing finish to the season, that has seen the Whizzers collect 9 points from a possible 42 since beating nottingham forest fc at the beginning of March, Whizz has pinpointed areas of his team that need strengthening, and has received backing from chairman Jack Richardson.
Shehata has been on of the team's better performers in his 2nd season at Shitters Palace, but has yet to consistently show the potential that persuaded Whizz to pay AFC Pollard 28m for his services at the beginning of Season 23. Instead, it is thought Whizz would prefer a more experienced 'keeper, and has already made enquiries for his top targets:
"One or two are already being looked at" said a club director. "Billy has pretty much made up his mind, it's a case of waiting to hear back from other clubs, and possibly relying on one or two other deals to go through"
A striker is also believed to be on Whizz's wishlist, while Robert Matthews could also depart the club, following a disappointing first season for the Wonderboys.
It can be revealed that Wonderboys keeper Khalid Shehata has been placed on the transfer list, as manager Billy Whizz looks to prepare his side for a promotion challenge in Season 24.
Following a disappointing finish to the season, that has seen the Whizzers collect 9 points from a possible 42 since beating nottingham forest fc at the beginning of March, Whizz has pinpointed areas of his team that need strengthening, and has received backing from chairman Jack Richardson.
Shehata has been on of the team's better performers in his 2nd season at Shitters Palace, but has yet to consistently show the potential that persuaded Whizz to pay AFC Pollard 28m for his services at the beginning of Season 23. Instead, it is thought Whizz would prefer a more experienced 'keeper, and has already made enquiries for his top targets:
"One or two are already being looked at" said a club director. "Billy has pretty much made up his mind, it's a case of waiting to hear back from other clubs, and possibly relying on one or two other deals to go through"
A striker is also believed to be on Whizz's wishlist, while Robert Matthews could also depart the club, following a disappointing first season for the Wonderboys.
Whizz predicts player interest
Intriguing close season ahead, as Whizz insists every player sellable
Billy Whizz made the unusual statement today that bids would be considered for every player in his squad, as he prepares to assemble a squad capable of promotion to Division 4 next season.
His team currently sits 5th in Division 5, with Whizz already admitting last week that promotion was too far this time round for the club, and playing 8 youth players in the club's league game against Arsene-all on Wednesday night. However, the Wonderboys manager is using the time between now and the new season wisely, planning the look of his squad for Season 24.
"After assessing a few things, we've let it be known that all bids would be considered. Basically, all players are open to offers. Obviously some players would cost more than others, but in our situation we need to have a look at things, because we want to be going into next season the favourites to win the league bar none."
"It's difficult to say how big the changes will be - it depends very much on player sales. If nobody wants any of our players, then it'll be a quiet close of season, however, if a few move on, then we'll be replacing them. It'll be a difficult task, and the first big transfer window for the club in terms of player movement, but it's necessary, so its a case of careful planning to ensure we're in the best position possible"
Billy Whizz made the unusual statement today that bids would be considered for every player in his squad, as he prepares to assemble a squad capable of promotion to Division 4 next season.
His team currently sits 5th in Division 5, with Whizz already admitting last week that promotion was too far this time round for the club, and playing 8 youth players in the club's league game against Arsene-all on Wednesday night. However, the Wonderboys manager is using the time between now and the new season wisely, planning the look of his squad for Season 24.
"After assessing a few things, we've let it be known that all bids would be considered. Basically, all players are open to offers. Obviously some players would cost more than others, but in our situation we need to have a look at things, because we want to be going into next season the favourites to win the league bar none."
"It's difficult to say how big the changes will be - it depends very much on player sales. If nobody wants any of our players, then it'll be a quiet close of season, however, if a few move on, then we'll be replacing them. It'll be a difficult task, and the first big transfer window for the club in terms of player movement, but it's necessary, so its a case of careful planning to ensure we're in the best position possible"
'Promotion chances gone' says Whizz
Wonderboys boss admits defeat in the 'impossible dream'
If you had told Billy Whizz his team would be sitting 4th in 5.10 with 7 games to go, he would have shaked his head in disbelief, perhaps offering that yours should be checked out. Following 2 relegation battles, the Whizzers headed into Season 23 with some optimism, more hope than expectation, but buoyed by 6 wins in their last six games of the previous seasons. The feelings around Shitters Palace were rather different today however, despite the Wonderboys' position in the table, and this was encapsulated by Whizz's not too unpredictable statement that promotion was a step too far for his side this year.
A press room that was filled with smiles and laughter earlier in the season was as quiet as Shitters Palace on matchday, as a rather tired and fed up looking Whizz called time on the Wonderboys push for Division 4 football:
"The last couple of weeks have been really rough" he said. "For me, it's been the worst times since I've been here, which is unbelievable given the position we're in"
The irony in his statement was obvious to see, from a man who had seen his side bottom after one win in 10, and in the relegation zone with 4 games to go just a couple of seasons ago. Yet then, the Whizzers were the underdogs, and any points gained where just that - gained, rather than now, where every draw seems to be 2 points lost. While optimists would, correctly, claim that is a positive indicment of the progress the club has been making, the fans have had little to cheer about in recent weeks, other than the fact they aren't in a relegation battle.
"After such a good start, this place was buzzing. We were turning up, expecting to win, but working so hard to get the points. The atmosphere was great, and we were putting in so much work, so that if we did go up, we wouldn't get caught with out pants down in Division 4; that seems like a cruel joke now"
Just one win in eight league games has left the Wonderboys 7 points behind Shipley Juniors, and outside the top 3 for the first time since Round 6.
"Perhaps the most distressing thing is the fact we were turning up, and beating teams by 3 or 4 goals, we evend scored 6 against Dockys, yet we play the return leg, and get beat, or we're holding on to a draw. That much swing in a result just isn't right, yet its been happening consistently over the last few weeks. We've won once, and even then, we weren't great, the opposition just somehow managed to be worse than us. It's like we're a completely different side, and the confidence has been completely knocked out of us"
Whizz confirmed that he would pick youth players in the club's remaining games, though only in fixtures not involving teams not directly involved in the relegation or promotion battles - "I want to be fair" he said - giving fans to have a glimpse at some of the fans possible future stars, although the loss of fans in itself is another clear sign of the Wonderboys faded promotion challenge. A cruel joke indeed.
If you had told Billy Whizz his team would be sitting 4th in 5.10 with 7 games to go, he would have shaked his head in disbelief, perhaps offering that yours should be checked out. Following 2 relegation battles, the Whizzers headed into Season 23 with some optimism, more hope than expectation, but buoyed by 6 wins in their last six games of the previous seasons. The feelings around Shitters Palace were rather different today however, despite the Wonderboys' position in the table, and this was encapsulated by Whizz's not too unpredictable statement that promotion was a step too far for his side this year.
A press room that was filled with smiles and laughter earlier in the season was as quiet as Shitters Palace on matchday, as a rather tired and fed up looking Whizz called time on the Wonderboys push for Division 4 football:
"The last couple of weeks have been really rough" he said. "For me, it's been the worst times since I've been here, which is unbelievable given the position we're in"
The irony in his statement was obvious to see, from a man who had seen his side bottom after one win in 10, and in the relegation zone with 4 games to go just a couple of seasons ago. Yet then, the Whizzers were the underdogs, and any points gained where just that - gained, rather than now, where every draw seems to be 2 points lost. While optimists would, correctly, claim that is a positive indicment of the progress the club has been making, the fans have had little to cheer about in recent weeks, other than the fact they aren't in a relegation battle.
"After such a good start, this place was buzzing. We were turning up, expecting to win, but working so hard to get the points. The atmosphere was great, and we were putting in so much work, so that if we did go up, we wouldn't get caught with out pants down in Division 4; that seems like a cruel joke now"
Just one win in eight league games has left the Wonderboys 7 points behind Shipley Juniors, and outside the top 3 for the first time since Round 6.
"Perhaps the most distressing thing is the fact we were turning up, and beating teams by 3 or 4 goals, we evend scored 6 against Dockys, yet we play the return leg, and get beat, or we're holding on to a draw. That much swing in a result just isn't right, yet its been happening consistently over the last few weeks. We've won once, and even then, we weren't great, the opposition just somehow managed to be worse than us. It's like we're a completely different side, and the confidence has been completely knocked out of us"
Whizz confirmed that he would pick youth players in the club's remaining games, though only in fixtures not involving teams not directly involved in the relegation or promotion battles - "I want to be fair" he said - giving fans to have a glimpse at some of the fans possible future stars, although the loss of fans in itself is another clear sign of the Wonderboys faded promotion challenge. A cruel joke indeed.
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