Quite Important - Selection 2011/12

OK guys, I think we are OK for numbers now. With 5 or 6 new players having been added, and one or two others having returned, I think we have sufficient numbers in all outfield positions.

We need one more keeper though so if anyone knows a specialist keeper then let me know. There will be a regular spot between the sticks in one of the teams for the lucky person.

The league tables can be viewed at www.football.mitoo.com

We have teams in Divs 2 and 4 of the Southern Sunday League and Div 9 of the Morden and District League.

Don't worry about the strength of the divisions. The standard will be OK when you consider that all three teams will be playing one-team clubs (i.e. 1st teams) who will put out 14 per game, and who train midweek.

As always we will have small squads (i.e. three 17 - 18 man squads) with 12 - 13 players in the matchday line-ups.

We know that the Morden and District League is very strong from last season and I know that there are teams in our division who will give us tough games. There won't be much between the standard in that team and Div 4 of the Southern Sunday League.

Once we get going (and start losing players through injury/illness and other commitments) I am sure we are going to be pushed hard enough. Like I say, the big squads that our 'one-team club' opponents will have will give us plenty to think about.

One thing I would like this season is to see more competition for places and no-one automatically assuming that they will play for certain teams.

Everyone should realise that they are playing for the club and everyone should play as and where required.

I keep a very close eye on the contribution everyone makes and if we are going to win things then we need everyone in all three teams to earn their places.

I am not going to commit myself to a selection policy because in the past I have had it thrown back at me by players complaining about which teams they are in.

I am well aware of the contribution everyone makes on and off the field. And let me make it clear that players who don't contribute on and off the field may well find themselves out of favour.

So if you want to hold down a place AS A MINIMUM you need to:

1. Confirm your availability by Wednesday each week
2. Establish if, where and when you are playing before the weekend
3. Make sure you are at the ground at the appointed time
4. Participate in pre-match preparations i.e. putting the nets up and warming-up
5. Respect your captain/Manager, the referee and opposition
6. Give 100% to the team in ALL circumstances
7. Observe the laws and spirit of the game
8. TAKE THE KIT EVERY 7/8 GAMES AND AT LEAST TWICE A SEASON
9. Get on with your captain/teammates, referee and opponents.

The only other thing I will say is that, as in previous seasons, we will inevitably have more players wanting to play in midfield and up front than at the back.

No-one is guaranteed 90 minutes every week but I think we may well see 7 or 8 midfielders/forwards in the match day line-ups. With that midfielders/forwards, you need to accept that you are more likely to be subbed now and again.

Right. Thanks for reading and I hope I haven't put too many of you off.

I look forward to one long season of selection headaches from now on !

Adam