From the Touchline: A Season of Stops and Starts

Working with different squad sizes has been a problem for the whole of this season. I have found that with all the stopping and starting with the hangover from Covid and the illness that my players have got from catching it there has been a flux of matches where I have had to change my tactics because I am short of players in certain positions.

On top of that, injuries to players seem to be more frequent – at the start of the season I had a number of players out with Covid symptoms but then I had a period where the full squad was available for matches. This then ended when three players got injured – back injury, ankle injury and pulled muscles.

Is this related to the fact they have not been active as much as they usually would? I've looked into this and there is no conclusive evidence but I am sure it is related. My season has been an endless stream of texts and emails to say illness or injury is keeping boy X or girl Y out of the matches. I don't think until recently that I have had a full squad to pick from.

Of course this all means at times fitting square pegs into round holes but fortunately the way I have coached my players there is always someone who has played in the positions that we have holes in even if they are a bit grumpy that they have to move from their favoured position!

Now with the season drawing to a close I find that the warmer weather and the prospect for parents to actually not have to hold an umbrella or put on extra socks has seen a lot more spectators at matches and this too is good to see.

Hopefully as the players get back to full fitness over the summer break there will be a more meaningful season ahead and all the preparation that it takes just to get back on the pitch will be worth it.