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PICTURE: Old Windsor F.C. celebrate their win in the Ascot & Fielden District Charity Cup competition. The Os' Reserve side beat Singh Sabha in the final at The Racecourse Ground in Ascot.
Luke Wade believes that getting players to enjoy being a part of Old Windsor F.C will unlock their potential to be competing for trophies once again this season.
The Os first team could manage only a third-place finish in their bid to regain the East Berkshire League Premier Division title last year – although the side has now not failed to finish outside of the top three since 2019.
The Reserve side however, finished the campaign decorated in cup competition honours; beating Singh Sabha to win the Ascot & Fielden District Charity Cup, as well as reaching the final in the Presidents Cup.
Old Windsor has a tried-and-tested formula for success which sees both the first and reserve sides united as one football club, with individuals able to earn the right to play as a part of the first team.
And Wade believes that an increase in competition within the league, with a new era for the East Berkshire League set to get under way this week, can only be a positive in the Os’ bid for future successes.
The assistant secretary said: “The last season was a difficult one for us in all honesty. We suffered with injuries and other issues. Having said that, to come away finishing third in the Premier Division and fourth in Division One, along with winning the Ascot & Fielden Cup, equals a successful season for the club and one we wish to build on this time around.
“Our aim this season is simple; to get two good and competitive sides out every week and get all the lads enjoying being a part of the club. If we can do that, we’re confident that both our sides can again compete towards the top end of both divisions and go well in the cup competitions.
PICTURE: Old Windsor celebrate a goal in a win against Chalvey Sports in a Showcase Match at The Racecourse Ground last season. PHOTO: Gary House Photography
“We believe that the club's biggest asset is the fact that we have two sides that run as one squad. If players are doing well in the reserves, they will get a chance in the first team, and if players are struggling to get games in the first team they will play in the reserves.”
Wade feels that having bigger and more competitive divisions in the EBFL will only be a positive for player motivation this season but, he admits that challenges to their own title aspirations might come in the form or the unknown quantities, the new additions to the constitution.
He explained: “This is great for the league, and it should make both divisions competitive, and all games should have something riding on them. The last couple of seasons have been difficult to get players motivated to play when you have a league of only seven or eight other teams. Players can have no complaints at the numbers this season.
“We will play to win every game be that league or cup. You’re probably always judged on how you do in the league so both teams will go into the season targeting as high as possible in their division. We've had good runs in external cup competitions in previous years and would love a good cup run again this season.
“I'm sure there are probably several sides that will be targeting successful seasons. In the Premier Division, there are many new teams to add to the promoted sides that we don’t know much about. I would not be surprised to see some of them compete towards the top end of the league.
“From a Division One perspective, I would be surprised if both KS Gryf and Cressex are not towards the top of the division. I'd say that if you finish above those two sides you would have had a good season.
“Simply put, having large and competitive divisions should lead to some good and competitive games. Hopefully the season goes well for all involved and the EBFL can build on a successful season to make further progress in future years.”
PICTURE: Luke Wade believes that having people enjoying playing football at Old Windsor F.C. will be a key factor in their chances for success this season. PHOTO: Gary House Photography.
The Old Windsor first team will launch their bid for the Premier Division title at home to Sandhurst Reds, runners-up in Division One last season, this Wednesday (6.20pm), before newcomers East Reading travel across Berkshire to the Recreation Ground on Saturday (3pm).
The Reserve side get their campaign under way at home to Braywood Beavers on Saturday (1pm), before hosting 2023 Presidents Cup winners, FC Baylis United on Tuesday 29 August (6.10pm).
Wade commented: “We take on newly promoted Sandhurst and are expecting a tough game against a good, young and hungry side. I know that both the management and players at Sandhurst will be desperate to get off to a good start and show exactly what they’re about. We will need to match or better their effort and make sure we play the football that we have been during pre-season.
“We had two competitive games against Braywood Beavers last season, and I would expect the same in this season. Both sides will go into the fixture wanting three points to get off to a good start in the league.”
To enter the East Berkshire Football League ahead of the 2023/24 season, or for further information about the league, or an entry form for the upcoming season, please email the team at contactebfl@gmail.com
