Jay Walking wrote:Before this decends into a complete slanging match, let me say a few things.
There is a big difference between Div 1 and Div 3 football. Been involved with Ingle Farm back when we were in Div 3, there is only 3 guys who are in our squad now that were back there. Yes fitness is definately a part of it. Have a look at USC Lion. They aren't getting many numbers to training and are bottom. There is more depth needed also. Its rare now in Div 1 to have your first team top and your reserves near the bottom and vice versa.
Now is saying that you guys aren't good players, we haven't seen you to know. We have seen Westies and know that those guys are good players.
Again, your guys might of played in the NSL or Federation, but how long ago. The biggest difference I noticed from Div 2 to Div 1 was the pace of the game. How quickly teams can break and how easy you can be punished from a turnover.
Well done for knocking out Westies though, certainly a big scalp to get and good luck for the rest of the year. Hopefully we do get you guys down there cause I hear the food is decent
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
Finally a sensible reply, so I'll respond sensibly.
It is not reasonable to expect, nor was I claiming, that our current squad could match it with the current Div 1 sides. Certainly 5-6 players could (not including me), and could be some of the better players in the division if they put in the effort. As you implied, new signigs are needed to be consistent accross the board.
We have 2 guys in our squad who would be pushing for a start with our federation side by next year if they were disciplined enough and could train 2-3 times a week. Another played first team in the super league 4 years ago until he did his knee and never got back into it. Another also played first team 4 years ago and then stopped due to work AND study commitments, and is currently one of the better futsal players in the state.
Then you have the guys that played juniors in the early 2000's and won the federation cups/championships etc. Had PLENTY of potential but all fell off the radar since due to various reasons. For example, the captain of the 2001 U/19's federation cup wining side hasn't played feds for about 5 years now and has played about 2 games for our reserves side so far this season. He stepped up on the weekend, played left-back and didn't let ANYTHING through the whole day. Our centre-back, hasn't played feds for years (maybe 10 or so years) and has been playing reserves all year, but stepped up on the weekend and won every header that came towards our goal. Then you have another level of quality with N. Tsoukalas (ex NSL) who currently plays for our reserves with a few mates. Doesn't train, just comes out for a kick on Sundays and then goes back home to his family. Two years ago, this guy was one of the better players in the feds. If he was to train twice a week, he could still EASILY slot into any amateur division.
Like any other club, my club is also looking to expand in the coming years. We have a decent enough 'base' and with a some new signings, as well as more discipline when it comes to training, there is no reason why we can't climb up to, and be competitive in the premier league. Unconstructive comments which basicaly say to me "your club is s
hit" are not necessary. Besides, I'm the one that predicted us to lose by a double digit score, so understandably I am still very happy about my club going through to the next round.