Here we are then into and through the season of glad tidings and mellow fruitfulness. Was it really that long ago - nigh on half a season - that we began with the away game at Bracknell. So much has gone under Mark's bridge and so much more already. Anyway, may 2009 bring all you wish of it and more.

We are in the silly season of course with the vagaries of the weather the first issue leading into each game at this time of year - and this year no exception. The huge rains have given way to jack's chill. Managed to ensure the Truro game, thank goodness, although ........ more later. But the trip to Paulton failed to make it and suffered the relatively late postponement that looked on the cards the previous day. Trust only a few NYE's were spoilt !!

I have one special message to deliver. That is to all our men in the middle without whom games would not be the same. However, despite what FIFA and our own FA would have us believe, the game of football is not black and white, and never will be. So trying to dictate how a game is managed is impossible from afar and really is down to man, sorry, player management on the day. Every game is different thankfully, and so it should be. Conditions, personalities, who got out of the right side of the bed in the morning etc, etc, all affect the way a game is played, and the entertainment viewed by so many different eyes from all parts of a football ground. So it was against Truro, but, alas, the main figure was Mr Referee. Seldom can so many have been in agreement, which is a shame because the 500+ came to see what otherwise would have been a pretty decent game. There was hardly a tackle worthy of the name anyway, but with so little room left for manoeuvre it was obvious what would happen in the second half. Now the impact of that game will not only be the futsol level it finished at, but also for both clubs several more games and who knows what by the end. Though Assessor’s presence was to blame, but since assessment is now at nearly every game, if not every one, that really cannot be adjudged as extra pressure. Let's get back to the Referee and his Assistants managing the game with a relatively free hand that actually takes account of those things I've mentioned. That way 500+ will be talking about the football.

What quote: Well from FFC Tommy Trinder always said;
"You Lucky People"
Hope he was right and it was and will be for all

Hurf - call me Et Al