England Team Manager's Diary
Monday 28 February 2011By ESFA Office
Last Updated:
10/02/2021 11:48:52
Andy Williams
esfa.co.uk caught up with Andy Williams, the England Schools' Team Manager, upon the squad's return from last week's training camp in Spain. Andy kindly provided a unique insight into the manager's diary, which proves interesting reading.
Day 1
Depart England and arrive in Spain.
Day 2
Having spent yesterday travelling and assembling from two national airports (Manchester & Gatwick), today was the first opportunity on this trip for the team to finally get together. Upon arriving the players were greeted to training temperatures of twenty plus degrees which were (fortunately) disguised by a heavy Torremolinos wind, allowing a high intensity start to training.
Productive morning and afternoon sessions on the town’s lively municipal stadium pitch were followed by the squad’s customary team building exercises.
Day 3
The wind from the previous day had vacated, creating drier and warmer playing conditions that would make the evening’s game against CF Malaga’s B youth team an interesting and challenging exercise.
A full morning’s training schedule was followed by a stroll through the bustling local alley ways and plazas, examining all of the knick-knacks and enjoying an ice-cream.
Pre-match preparations were concluded in time for a 4.30pm departure for the short ride back across town to the Plaza San Miguel where Torremolinos has their juvenile stadium. A tiny enclosed ground with a perfect playing surface was to be the venue for a 6pm start.
Temperatures were still high in the evening blazing sun as the teams kicked off with England having won the toss. A brisk start saw both teams quickly on the offensive happy to play an open game. England’s play was rewarded with two first half goals from Jon Barden and Connor Thompson, both goals having been set up by Jack Wood., There were limited chances in the second half as both teams sought to cancel each other out; 2-0 the final score. I am satisfied with a solid performance in what proved to be a challenging run out for my team. Fatigue and injuries were a major factor in the second half and it was a shame that they affected the game as they did.
Day 4
The boys woke up to a scorching hot day – clear blue skies with a whispy haze over the mountains and a red sky across the sea’s horizon made this the hottest day so far. The hot weather, combined with fatigue from a busy schedule and some knocks picked up in the game the night before required a rethink; this was a prime example why any schedule, no matter how important requires flexibility. Training this morning was changed to a very light warm up and a walk through session; we were done inside one hour.
A quick interview for Spanish TV and we were on our way back to the hotel for another stroll, this time to the beach plus another ice cream opportunity!
Tonight’s game was always going to be tough – older opponents, stronger individuals, professional players, and a hotter day. CF Malaga A youth team played exactly how we knew they would, precise, efficient patterns with plenty of movement. I was delighted with our attempts to play and we showed tenacity in forcing two first half saves from their goalkeeper, Josh White and Jon Barden both having good shots turned away. Both teams could have won the game late on, Jon Evans putting a glorious header past the far post. 0-0 was a superb result, matched by a superb performance. We go home very satisfied with our week’s work and now look forward to preparing for the visit of Northern Ireland next Friday.
Day 5
Depart Spain and arrive back in England.
Match tickets are still available for this Friday's Centenary Shield opener against Northern Ireland. The match is being played at AFC Telford United and will kick-off at 7.00 pm. Spectators will be able to purchase tickets on the evening of the match.
Ticket Prices
Adults: £5 (seats) £3 (terrace)
Children: £3 (seats) and £1 (terraced)
