Micky Woodham - 'Windsor FC must learn to compete'

By Rob Stevens • Published 14 Sep 2012 09:00 0 Comments

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MICKY Woodham declared Windsor FC's young stars must learn quickly if they want to be competitive in the Combined Counties Premier Division.

Woodham replaced Keith Scott as manager at Stag Meadow earlier this month after the ex-professional striker resigned following the withdrawal of the playing budget.

But his introduction into senior management could not be have more difficult with the 8-2 midweek drubbing by Egham Town followed by difficult away trips to Hanworth Villa on Saturday (3pm kick-off) and high-flying Cove on Tuesday (September 18, 7:45pm).

Speaking to the Observer, Woodham said: "There were no real excuses on Monday - nobody is very happy to concede eight goals.

"You never know what is round the corner - we might get another one (heavy defeat) - but I would like to think we will not go through it again.

"In the position we are in you have to learn very quickly. You have got to cut the mistakes out and believe in each other."

He continued: "It was always going to be a baptism of fire against Egham - I thought we did alright at 2-2 before the sending off.

"Losing Ben Harris just before half-time kills the game really - Egham played very well when we only had 10-men.

"They put us to the sword - used every blade of grass - and made us work hard."

Harris - one of just three survivors of Scott's regime - was made new club captain by Woodham and was un-playable at times during Monday's clash with Egham before being sent off for a deliberate hand ball offence.

Woodham commented: "I made Ben captain for the reason that he wants to be here - he is a leader.

"He has got a lot of growing up to do but he knows that. He can do it out on the pitch and I have no real complaints with him really.

"We will get a lot more out of him than what we have seen."

Windsor have made several signings ahead of Saturday's trip to the London Borough of Hounslow with 29 players now available for selection - including Codie Sumner, a precocious talent from Holyport - although nearly all have been promoted from the club's youth set-up.

Woodham added: "Will Dunlop - sent off for a second bookable offence against Egham - is here possibly for a month.

"We have got some players lined up who were not registered in time for one reason or another - they will be available on Saturday.

"There are going to be some personnel changes in the next month - some will not stay - and obviously we need to get a certain type of player in."

FORMER Windsor FC stars have begun to find new clubs following their decision to walk through the Stag Meadow exit doors earlier this month.

Ryan O'Toole - leading goal scorer in Windsor's inaugural campaign last term - has signed for Hayes & Yeading United in Blue Square Conference South.

Burnham are believed to be targeting Jake Parsons, Joe Chandiram and James Tripp.

And Chris Ellis and James Houghton have moved across to Combined Premier outfit Egham Town - although neither were registered in time to play against Windsor on Monday.

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This article appeared in Royal Borough Observer 13 Sep 12

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