End of season message - Singleton Says…

It seemed fitting that at last the sun would come out on the last day of the season for the Sky Blue Ladies which was the most awaited for since the fixture list was released last year. Leicester have become a dominant force in ladies football and have enjoyed a great season. We wish them well on their promotion to the Northern Premiership and we continue our quest for the same and hope for a rematch in the season after next.

Much has been accomplished this season, but the biggest achievement, in my veiw, has been the coming togther of the Seniors. I've been so proud to watch those who joined at the tender age of eight and nine all those years ago and have not only graduated to the upper age groups of the club, but have pulled on the jersy with three lions on and represented their Nation at International level. This year's Ladies Player of the Year Natalie 'Lefty' Brace was one of those young girls who joined as a child and left as an athlete and on the last game of the season shed a tear as her team finished as runners up for the second successive season. We wish her well as she leaves Coventry for a life in Canada and thank her for her friendship and efforts for the club.

Readers must remember that two seasons ago we launched our three year 'Think Premiership' campaign to return to the Premiership. We're two years into that, last season we finshed second to high flyers Rotherham, and this to local rivals Leicester. I think that we over achieved last season, came very close this season and we're ready for the final push for the forthcoming 08-09 season. For those who have been regular supporters during the season, you will have experienced frustration, excitement and trepidation, but one thing everyone must agree on is that we have a team that is united, passionate and a credit to the City.

We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Stuart Wilson who has volunteered his time to the Seniors and has directed the Centre of Excellence brilliantly. With his team of coaches Stuart has learned about every player in the club and has a full understanding of their individual potential. He is one of the best young coaches around and players and parents should know that their girls are in good hands under Stu's leadership.

One of the club's unsung heroes is Tim Kalns. I'd like to thank Tim for is hard work, and unstinting commitment to the club. To many around things just happen, and that's because Tim makes it happen. Thanks Tim. Our friend and Director of Football Tom Stack has continued to ensure that Coventry is a 'centre for learning', not just for football, but for coaching and for officials. Our youngsters will soon become coaches and referees and linesmen will soon be seen officiating at the highest level. We have a culture in this club where 'coaches coach and parents cheer'. Players enjoy playing and parents have great fun on the side lines, everyone here is rightly proud to be involved.

We have already started planning for next season. We will ensure that the Seniors pre season is one that will prepare and condition them for a busy season. We plan for five preseason games at all levels and will test their abilities to the limit. The biggest tests for the season ahead will be local once more, West Brom and Wolves will want the same as us and regardless of the good relationship we have with both clubs, the contests will be keenly fought and won! The Archer Bassett Schools program has been a huge success and we have been asked to extend the program further, and subject to funding we aim to double our investment in that regard. Our thanks to Terry Harvey who has championed this. The Academy is now established, and will grow. The Centre of Excellence will experience slight changes. The junior squads will grow and the U16's will compete in a competitive leauge. The FA have listened to your feedback!

Finally, there are too many people to thank individually. You know who you are, from players to parents, coaches, managers and supporters, Coventry City Ladies is a great football club and it's you who make it that way. We have a high and expanding expectation of our players and coaching staff and now we have an environment where they can realise their footballing ambitions. It's not just about this club, the girls make their families, schools and friends proud of their achievements, and I'd like to personally thank you all for your efforts.

We'll enjoy and celebrate on the 10th May at our end of season awards night, where players, parents, officials, friends and families can join together in one last get-together before the summer's out.

Have a great summer and remember - 'Think Premiership'

David Singleton