So Far So Good For Daisy Hill
Tue 23rd September 2014 | General | By Ian Templeman
With his side unbeaten in cup competitions and sitting in third place in Division One, Daisy Hill manager Craig Thomas is now focussed on ensuring the team maintain their level of performance going forward.
After a turbulent season last year, with many players coming and going, Craig believes that having a more stable squad this season has paid dividends.
“We had a very similar start last year but we lost a few players that we weren't able to replace, and I think a lot of the team spirit went too”, he said.
“The lads that were left got a bit dispirited because they saw the better players going, but this year we have been a bit more settled.
“We had a better pre-season, better quality opposition in the pre-season games like FC United and Salford City, and that has enabled us to attract a better calibre of player.
“As you do well, more players want to come to you, and we have had a lot down training and more competition for positions to keep everyone on their toes. I think that is another reason why we are doing well.
“When we had good teams in the past, we had players from Manchester who sometimes had trouble getting in for training, so although you have a good team, you lose that team spirit you need in some respects.
“But now everyone trains well together, which makes it more of team unit than when you have individual players coming from all over like we have had in the past, and we have had more good team performances than individual talents winning games”.
Another bonus for Craig has been the performance of young players who he has drafted in to plug gaps caused by injuries.
“We’ve had some horrendous injury problems, and we've been really pleased with the performances of the young players who have come in”, he said. “The 17 and 18 year olds who have stepped in have taken their chance, and we are really chuffed about that.
“Last year we had a strong starting eleven, but then when a few of them left we struggled, and the players that were left were probably a bit too young last year.
“It wasn't a great season last year but it has given them experience, and as this is their second season we are starting see improvements in those lads’ performances this year.
“I've also been able to bring in more of the best local talent from youth football. Last year we had more local lads but lacked a bit of quality, and I think we have found a better blend this year, with youth and experience.
“Andrew Buckley is one of our most experienced players and he covers every blade of grass, his workrate is immense. He is a local lad and all the young players look up to him, and we have a lot of decent characters in the squad and a good blend of old and new”.
Looking ahead to the rest of season, Craig is confident that his team’s good run can continue, and believes that the team’s performances so far were best summed up in their FA Vase tie against Newton Aycliffe, when Daisy came from two goals down to beat the Northern League Division One side 3-2.
“I think the team has more belief this year, they never think they are defeated and always think they can come back, and that showed especially in the Vase game against Newton Aycliffe”, he said.
“The most pleasing thing about that win and our start to the season is our will to win and we never give up.
"The team at the minute have a great attitude and never think they are beaten. We have a real belief and great team spirit, and are developing a winning mentality which should hold us in good stead".
So Far So Good For Daisy Hill
Tue 23rd September 2014 | General
By Ian Templeman
With his side unbeaten in cup competitions and sitting in third place in Division One, Daisy Hill manager Craig Thomas is now focussed on ensuring the team maintain their level of performance going forward.
After a turbulent season last year, with many players coming and going, Craig believes that having a more stable squad this season has paid dividends.
“We had a very similar start last year but we lost a few players that we weren't able to replace, and I think a lot of the team spirit went too”, he said.
“The lads that were left got a bit dispirited because they saw the better players going, but this year we have been a bit more settled.
“We had a better pre-season, better quality opposition in the pre-season games like FC United and Salford City, and that has enabled us to attract a better calibre of player.
“As you do well, more players want to come to you, and we have had a lot down training and more competition for positions to keep everyone on their toes. I think that is another reason why we are doing well.
“When we had good teams in the past, we had players from Manchester who sometimes had trouble getting in for training, so although you have a good team, you lose that team spirit you need in some respects.
“But now everyone trains well together, which makes it more of team unit than when you have individual players coming from all over like we have had in the past, and we have had more good team performances than individual talents winning games”.
Another bonus for Craig has been the performance of young players who he has drafted in to plug gaps caused by injuries.
“We’ve had some horrendous injury problems, and we've been really pleased with the performances of the young players who have come in”, he said. “The 17 and 18 year olds who have stepped in have taken their chance, and we are really chuffed about that.
“Last year we had a strong starting eleven, but then when a few of them left we struggled, and the players that were left were probably a bit too young last year.
“It wasn't a great season last year but it has given them experience, and as this is their second season we are starting see improvements in those lads’ performances this year.
“I've also been able to bring in more of the best local talent from youth football. Last year we had more local lads but lacked a bit of quality, and I think we have found a better blend this year, with youth and experience.
“Andrew Buckley is one of our most experienced players and he covers every blade of grass, his workrate is immense. He is a local lad and all the young players look up to him, and we have a lot of decent characters in the squad and a good blend of old and new”.
Looking ahead to the rest of season, Craig is confident that his team’s good run can continue, and believes that the team’s performances so far were best summed up in their FA Vase tie against Newton Aycliffe, when Daisy came from two goals down to beat the Northern League Division One side 3-2.
“I think the team has more belief this year, they never think they are defeated and always think they can come back, and that showed especially in the Vase game against Newton Aycliffe”, he said.
“The most pleasing thing about that win and our start to the season is our will to win and we never give up.
"The team at the minute have a great attitude and never think they are beaten. We have a real belief and great team spirit, and are developing a winning mentality which should hold us in good stead".
