Melvin salutes players

Patrick Corlett • Published 29 Apr 2010 13:00 0 Comments

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Windsor celebrate.
Picture: Mike Swift

Football

JIM Melvin, assistant manager at Windsor & Eton, ranks winning the league amongst his finest achievements in the game.

Before he arrived at the club in December 2007 as Keith Scott's right hand man, Melvin spent time with Martin O'Neill at Wycombe Wanderers as well as Marlow and Chertsey Town.

"This season ranks very highly," remarked Melvin.

"When we came to the club we were 14th, finished eighth then second and now top.

"The players who were at the club, and players who have subsequently joined, there's been an element of continuous improvement. No one has stagnated.

"They are a great bunch of lads and I have thoroughly enjoyed this season and some of the football they have played. I have enjoyed their company, it has been a great dressing room and if they can get us and some other people off their seats with what they can do then you can't ask for any more.

"Given all the things that the boys have had to put up with this year, two broken legs, with what Gavin Smith has been through, missing Michael Chennells the last two games and various other things is fantastic.

"For those boys to complete that 42 game marathon is an absolute credit to them - its says bundles about their character."

The Royalists assistant boss was also quick to pay tribute to title rivals AFC Totton and Monday night's beaten opponents VT FC but he believes the best side has triumphed.

"If you were in Totton's shoes you would be gutted but I always felt we were the better side," stated Melvin.

"Totton have got some very talented players, the Gosney's and Taylor's to name just a couple, but pound-for-pound and man-for-man we were the better side.

"When it has come down to the crunch I think we've proved it, we finished above them last year and finished above them this year, played them four times and not lost.

"They are very talented but ultimately our players were better."

He added: "Both teams (Windsor and VT) got an email from the league about fielding weakened sides, I don't know why Windsor got one and it insulted VT as well.

"VT came last (Monday) night, played the game in a very competitive way but in a sporting spirit. Their dignity and respect at the end deserves congratulations and speaks volumes for people. Some people need to look at themselves for sending out an email like that."

This article appeared in Royal Borough Observer 30 Apr 10

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