Letter From The Manager - Richard Kay

RICHARD KAY

A warm welcome to the staff, players and committee of Shipston for today’s Hellenic Challenge Cup match at Bobby Hancocks Park.

October is always cup month and todays cup match is our first cup game of the 22/23 season. The early part of the season has been hectic to say the least, so it’s a nice change to be involved in a one off cup tie

Since we re-formed in 2019 we have been a winning machine in the league securing 1st and 2nd place finishes. However cup competitions have been a sense of frustration. We have gotten to 6 quarter-finals and not progressed beyond. Some due to the season finishing for the pandemic and 2 ties, like last season, where we were in the box seat to progress but lost both ties to progress to the semis.

With our league objective clear one or two really good cup runs would be a welcome addition. Today’s cup game represents a mini vase for us this season. We can draw teams from Hellenic 2 to the Prem. It’s a great opportunity should we progress to pit our wits against regular FA vase and FA cup teams.

Today’s game is also an opportunity for us as a club at first team level to record our 50th competitive win in just 73 games. Since 2019 we have broken and smashed every club

record, so to achieve our 50th win would be another great milestone.

Our poor form in August seems like a distant memory. We look much fitter, sharper and more ruthless in our attacking play. We are much more settled as a squad with some excellent recent experienced additions. We look much more cohesive. My teams are at their best when the sum of the parts is greater than individuals. We have looked a good team the last month.

Our standard was set against Pershore. Individually and collectively no matter the game we need to keep being humble and hardworking.

Enjoy the cup tieUTS

Rich Kay