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| Reflections |
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After 8 full completed seasons in charge of Grand Rapids FC, it is probably time to have a little inwards scrutiny of my progress as a manager and the stewardship of the football team.
Having taken Grand Rapids over from a highly regarded manager in Quercus, who had steered the team to both a Ultimate League Premiership and Cup title, I would be lying if I did not have a sense of trepidation. I had taken my former team, Vijar Venom to UL2 and was curious to see whether that team had the wherewithal to go further, but I felt strongly that Q's legacy with Grand Rapids should be recognised by whoever took over the management. Sentimentality should have no place in football (particularly for a digital one) but having known Q for some time, I was loath not to.
In the eight seasons since taking on the challenge, I have managed to get the team promoted back to the top flight on two occasions, and have come runners-up in the UL Cup and League. I have avoided relegation beyond Division 1, although it has come close.
On reflection I am not disappointed with the effort. Quercus and SocCarolina are aware from my history in a shared private league that I take on the 'bridesmaid' role with aplomb!
I approach X11 in a workmanlike manner. I work with what I know, learn by absorbing stuff as I come across it (I tend not to ask many questions) and try not to get bogged down into the minutiae of the mechanics.
Will I win a title? Perhaps not. Others work much harder in squad development than I do and probably deserve reward for their dedication. Can I give the competition a run for their money? Sure I can, that is part of the fun of my approach to the game.
So for Season 39 Grand Rapids will be looking to hold their place in Division 1 as our primary objective, develop the youth as best we can, and look to promotion in the next season or so.
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