Captains Corner...

Here, the appointed captains will give their view on the success/failure of our recent games, and give their views on upcoming matches

First Team Captain: Ross Titmuss

I thought I'd begin my first Captain's Corner with a bit about the upcoming season, as well as a review of pre season and our first two league games.

Looking forward to the season ahead, I think our eventual aim has to be promotion, and that last season's finish in both league and cup should give us real belief that this a realistic aim. I actually think that setting ourselves this goal, and being clear that this is what we are aiming for is an important part of our progression this season. Of course, no amount of self belief can substitute for performances, but if we look back at the reasons why we didn't finish closer to the two promoted sides last season, it's probably worth reflecting on the fact that we outplayed Clevedon, Nailsea and Berrow for significant periods of our games against them, without showing the necessary belief to beat them (eventually only taking 4 points from a possible 18 in those six games). Clevedon in particular seemed to be able to find a way to beat us without ever really playing the better football, a quality that we could well do with adopting this season in those inevitable games when we're not at our best - think Wrington and Creech from last season.

Whilst it's true that we don't know an awful lot about some of the teams who are new to the division this year, and that we can't do anything about the possibility that there will be teams who will have made improvements from last season, we should take a lot of heart from our own pre and early season performances, where so far we've played with exactly the sort of attitude and ability that I mentioned above. Pre season saw us beating lower league opposition convincingly, whilst getting 'a result' against Cleeve. More importantly, the start of the season proper has seen 9 goals and two victories away from home. I think our sharpness in front of goal, and willingness not to take a backward step against either Berrow or Cheddar should encourage us, whilst we shouldn't take for granted the benefits of keeping the ball for longer periods and aiming to control games with possession and width. I'm sure that these qualities will come out in our play as the season progresses if we commit to them and to each other as a team...especially at training where these types of habits become ingrained. Lets make a real effort as the first team to continue to lead the way with attendance and effort at training, not forgetting that Coxy and Pete are running the sessions for our benefit, and that the alternative to structured, proper training is just having a kick about in the park...though part of the reason we play is to enjoy ourselves with our mates, I doubt that's the direction we ultimately want to head in.

In fact the composition of the squad, and our ability to gel is also really important for the season ahead, and I think we're lucky to have such a good balance; of experience, of match winning younger players, of genuine depth as well as a really strong core from front to back - James, Mike and Alex are three players who should be looking to dominate games for long periods this year.

More immediately, lets make sure we get off to a winning start at home on Saturday against Churchill.