Tonbridge Invicta Under 18's Past Seasons 2002/2003

EXCELLENT DEVELOPMENT

After the departure of last season's manager Graeme Groves and a not insignificant number of players for a variety of reasons, coach Rob Wilson was faced with the task of building a new squad as he assumed control. In the process he was determined to develop both the expectations and the achievements of the team in the forthcoming season. He was fortunate enough to sign some quality players to complement the surviving squad members. The latter still included six players who had represented the club from Under 10's onwards. Andrew Roberts, Andrew Jarrett, Daniel Howse, Ben Mitchell, Matthew Styles and Neil Wilson were all given long service awards at the end of the season.

Once a committed and united management was established, with John Collins as Assistant Manager and Karen and Steve Styles as further assistants, decent training facilities booked, and a professional approach to training and match preparation introduced, everything was in place to transform the team from one that had just avoided relegation to one making a serious challenge for the Tandridge B Division title. As can be seen from results we very nearly went the whole way!

Our overall record for the season makes impressive reading. We only lost 9 games out of a total of 31 and scored 98 goals with a goal difference of +40. In fact we failed to score in only 3 games!

In our League Orpington Colts and Orpington Rovers finished equal on 30 points and ourselves and Horley Town finished equal on 28 points! By the rules of most leagues Orpington Rovers would have won the title on goal difference and we would have finshed third by the same criteria. But not in the Tandridge League …………… by their rules Colts won it by dint of winning more games and Horley were deemed to have finished 3rd by virtue of the same criteria!!

What we have to bear in mind is that only 2 points separated the top four teams of this division, that's how close we came, and we had the second best goal difference out of the four!

Over the season the squad gradually gelled and team spirit was really enhanced when we went on another tour to Holland in April. This was highly enjoyable and much more successful in footballing terms than its predecessor last year. This time we played three friendlies winning two and losing one.

There is no doubt that the side made significant strides over the season and are now a force to be reckoned with. Playing a cohesive, attractive passing game they were at times irresistible on the park! Almost all squad members expressed the wish to stay together with the same management and enter an Under 17 or 18 league in season 2003/2004. That is probably the best testimony to a successful season!

Congratulations to award winners

at the End of Season Presentation Evening:

It is with a good deal of sadness that we parted company with Ben Mitchell after this season. Ben gave 7 years excellent service to the team and made a significant contribution to its development. We wish him and his family every success in the future, particularly with his cycling.

In addition Luke Saunders decided not to play football following this campaign. We thank him for his services during the year and wish him well.