Is it final that the reserves won’t be playing under any name in the Mid-Cheshire League or any other next year? I’m aware we are going to have some sort of “arrangement” with Alsager, but surely it must be worth having a second team at some sort of level, even playing in the Mid Cheshire Sunday League?
I am not sure of the answer to this question, as I have already asked it on another thread. I suppose it will come down to finances. We must ask ourselves why to we want/need a reserve side? Is it to provide players to the first team in times of injury crisis? If so, the reserve team need to be playing at a level just below that of the Unibond League. Decent players able to make the step up, wouldn’t want to player any lower. You mention the Mid Cheshire Sunday League… The Thatched Tavern used to be a top team in the Premiership, but cost me £3000+ per year to run. (Fees, ground hire, football kit, kit cleaning, insurance, medical kit, and one of the biggest costs… players fines).
An appeal has been lodged about the reserves expulsion, as yet the appeal has not been heard. If successful the reserves will be self financed.
Thatched tavern wrote:
Should have made them pay their own!!! I used to when I played in that league, and I soon became a reformed character (ahem) on the grounds of being skint and suspended!
But yes, I suppose it is a hell of a lot of money to put in for no (or very little) return.
Picko wrote:
Will they be “Witton Albion Reserves” or “Northwich United” Picko?
The honest answer to that Greenie is I don’t know.
From a conversation with Mark this week, I understand it to be Witton Albion Reserves, however the overall position is still being considered given that a) it need to be self financing (through support of someone else) and b) a new Reserves Team Manager is required!
There is no definitive decision yet other than a justified appeal based on the decision. As far as I would be concerned we need to make sure the decision is in our hands, thereafter we have to assess the impact this has on finances.
Mark is pursuing although that in itself has some associated costs (although these are small).
But havent most of last years reserves gone to Alsager?
I expect a fair few have gone to Alsager although I believe Nige is offering 2 or 3 the opportunity to train pre-season to see if they impress enough to be in the first team squad.
We have had very few ‘reserves’ hold permanent positions in the first team over the last few years.