By Tim Blake
Slimbridge co-chairman Barry Gay has declared himself delighted with the forward progress of the club as they near the end of their seventh year of football in the Southern League.
Following the departure of Lee Driver-Dickerson to local rivals Evesham United before Christmas, assistant manager and first-team coach Tom Speers and Tom Deakin took over the reins on an interim basis, and strengthened the coaching team with the appointment of Adam Coyle from the Swans’ Reserve team set up.
Gay said: “The move seems to have paid off – results have seen the side go five games unbeaten which has all but preserved Southern League Football for another year, which will be our eighth season.”
Gay also paid tribute the players on the pitch: “A lot of credit must go to this close-knit group of players, who have shown a great attitude and spirit of togetherness this season. I’m very proud of them all.”
With a thriving setup that now includes the first team, a reserve side and an Under 18s team, Gay acknowledged that it takes a huge amount of work off the pitch to support a setup, which this season has seen players move through up the ladder from the Under 18s into the first-team squad and thrive at a higher level.
“Our committee continues to work tirelessly to support the coaches of all three sides, with the Reserves and 18s both doing well in their respective leagues, which gives me great encouragement for the future. We will review our progress at the end of the season and decide what we need to do next to continue the momentum we have in the club at the moment.”
Finally, Gay paid tribute to the Swans supporters who have travelled from Plymouth to Lymington and all parts beyond with the side, in a season where the Swans will break their mileage record for away travel.
“I have to say a huge thank you to all our supporters, both home and away, who have followed the club in all weathers, win or lose.”
