Gentlemens Practice Division 4i, Xpert International Manager: Gphoenix

Champions...

If a single picture could sum up Gentlemen's Practice winning the Xpert International championship it would have been of their usually stone faced manager Gareth Phoenix at the final whistle crumpling to his knees in tears as he finally realised what he'd been promising the GP faithful for the past 18 or so seasons finally coming true. He said for the past 8/9 years that he would some how win the big league trophy and bring it home. Monday he finally came through on his word and delivered just that. As news filtered through that Internazional Milano had surprisingly gone two down away at Todu Bias the noise picked up at The Amber Couldron and it continued to grow as did Gentlemens Practices lead over Os Xiripitius. At the final whistle Phoenix's men found themselves 8 points clear with just two games left and the crowd erupted upon winning the league a week earlier than anyone expected. Phoenix was understandably almost lost for words after our Xpert Daily reporter eventually got through the obvious crowd of players, backroom staff and fans... Phoenix: I'm still trying to comprehend it all. When I picked these kids all those years ago I said they had what it takes to go all the way. We lost a few on the way but the core remained and learned from some tough ends to seasons where we've lost out on promotion on the last day on two occasions. It hardened them and me. Three seasons ago we missed out promotion from Division 2 to Beards United who went on to win Division 1 and then The Xpert International which was an inspiration in itself. After that loss we were all sat in the changing room and we promised ourselves we wouldn't let it happen again. It brought out this incredible strength in them that made us get through a qualifier the following season after another last day heartbreak. The lads went on to a 3-0 win over a cracking team. The next season we won Division 1 at our first go whilst having to see off Xpert Champions League side SonicMaster (who after 5 attempts over the past two seasons still haven't beat is in open play. 2W & 3L). No one even mentioned us as contender pre-season but we knew we'd be giving this a go to win and came up trumps. We'll be doing the same with the XCL next season which will be obviously so much more difficult even more so now our element of surprise is gone. But today is about the fans and those lads out there on the pitch. They've given everything and I still think they have more but that's part of being the gaffer and for next season. I however have to get back to work tomorrow as we have two game left to play and you can be damn straight we will go out to win them both.

2019-07-12 09:05 3117 Views Reporter: TonyBrazil

Very Cautious Proceedings!

Bridesmaid fears as Star approach the threshold

Cup success, but a HUGE loss!

Star's twinkle threatened by injuries and suspensions to a small squad

And that is that...

Practice ask for patience as they play the long game

So this is Christmas...

Cash stashed in the sixth division raises Roverrs' eyebrows, and they thought they were rich!

Focus turns to derby

Both sides at full strength, as is the rivalry and the fans' drinks

2020-10-07 00:37	Derby day draw
2020-09-15 23:20	Playoffs it is then!
2020-06-06 18:16	Massive overhaul guaranteed
2020-05-30 16:53	Playing it down...
2020-05-30 16:50	Bish Bash Bosh
2020-05-20 18:55	Time For heroes
2020-04-01 19:03	Manager threatens to quit
2020-01-29 01:36	Toothless manager avoids controversy
2020-01-18 20:00	Phoenix disappointed but hopeful...
2020-01-02 10:24	Heads Will Roll
2019-12-18 01:22	Injury rocks GP's season...
2019-12-14 11:23	Country for old men?
2019-11-25 23:52	Bad habits
2019-10-24 09:03	Decision Made Thanks to Davidyoyo
2019-10-18 22:34	Cup blunder costs GP, but bounce back...
2019-10-16 00:23	Constanzas announce new manager
2019-09-22 01:00	A cruel old game...
2019-08-31 19:51	XCL progression shadowed by league woes
2019-08-22 19:27	A mixture for GP's fans....
2019-08-13 23:31	Points on the board!
2019-08-09 21:14	Think you've been busy? Think again
2019-07-24 08:27	So there it ends...
2019-07-23 07:43	Final Day Win Secures Playoff Spot!
2019-07-12 09:05	Champions...
2019-06-28 14:49	3 points comes at a cost...

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