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A message from Joe Doran

A message from Joe Doran

Bootle Football Club14 May 2019 - 19:28
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The Bucks boss has delivered his end of season review.

After a few weeks of reflection, I thought the time was right to share my views on the season.

I've had a lot of questions since the season finished, but I am delighted to confirm I will be continuing as manager with the full support of both the committee and those closest to me.

Our end to the season brought plenty of mixed emotions for me. But one thing is for sure, I couldn’t have been any prouder for everyone involved with the club.

Of course, the coaching staff and players deserve credit for the incredible performances on the pitch, but in my eyes, it was a real club effort. From the committee to our loyal supporters, everyone played their part.

The really encouraging part was seeing so many old, and new faces, coming up to support us in those final games and it was great to see you all again enjoying the Bootle matchday experience.

When I came back in October, my initial aim was to try and improve results; I also asked the lads to restore some pride back into the shirt and club.

And while we initially did that, it became apparent pretty quickly that the commitment levels and desire from some to graft for our Football Club had sunk below the required levels.

Results and performances dipped and following the defeats to Prescot Cables and Cheadle Town, I was left questioning whether players wanted to be here.

But following some open and frank conversations with Bozzy (Richie Boswarva) and Tony (Tony Ellis), as a trio, we agreed to roll our sleeves up and do all we could to turn the side’s fortunes around.

In doing so, we obviously had to bring some fresh blood in. The signings of Ben (Ben Cartwright), Carbo (Michael Carberry), Lee (Hughes) and Jamie (Clarke) gave us all a real lift.

Not only did they come in and improve the side, but they also galvanised the existing players we had. I must also extend gratitude to those players who remained when it could have been easier to walk away - and I would also like to thank Sean Coulton for coming back to the club in its hour of need.

After our heaviest defeat of the season, we travelled to Silsden with 11 senior outfield players and the bench being made up of Jack McGovern, Docker (Dan O’Connor) and 17-year-old Jack Goodwin. We put in a magnificent performance and won 7-0 which gave us the belief we needed.

Going away and winning at Northwich Victoria was another major step in the right direction and from there we didn’t look back. Jack’s (McGovern) stunning save in the dying minutes to ensure we collected all three points was probably the moment that turned our season for the better.

From there, we really kicked on. The three wins over Christmas against West Didsbury, City of Liverpool and Hanley gave us even more belief. And by the time we beat second-place Congleton in mid-January, we started looking up and began to climb the table.

Of course, we had testing games - especially the ones against Abbey Hey and Winsford. But as a manager, grinding out wins often leaves a smile as big as when you win 6-0.

Beating the likes of 1874 Northwich at home, and Charnock Richard away, were massive results, too. The manner in which we picked up two victories was more than impressive.

Unfortunately, the game against Northwich Victoria proved to be a step too far. I could sit here now and blame a few things but the truth is we gave everything we had had, but we just didn’t have enough to get that elusive winner.

I can’t knock the players in any way, though. Like I told them after the game, the two objectives I set them when I came back in we more than achieved.

People have also asked me will it be hard to pick the lads up again ahead of next season?

Truthfully, I don’t think it will. We have a very talented bunch here, and I hope they will all stay with us. In my eyes, the disappointment of the final day should spur us on to go one better next year.

Finally, I would like to thank you all for your magnificent support throughout the season. As the season went on, more and more people began to appear behind the goal on a matchday, and your continued support certainly didn’t go unnoticed by me or the lads.

Enjoy your summer and I’ll see you all again soon, as we get ready to do it all again.

Up the Bucks

Joe

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