English Schools' Football Association

ESFA U18 Team Manager, Andy Buckingham

As the dust settles on yet another season in the Centenary Shield, it is good to look back and assess what have been the successes or otherwise from my point of view. Andy Blight (Assistant Manager) and I selected what we considered to be both an attacking group, and a technically good set of players. Sadly two boys who were likely to play No 9 and 10 in the team both played no part in the series of games as a result of injury. Thus immediately our resources were compromised. However, across all 4 games we still created enough chances in open play to win not just one Centenary Shield but maybe two! Rhys Turner stepped into the role at No 9 and he frightened every defence with his terrific balance and electric pace. Although he would be the first to admit that he was disappointed to only net once in the 4 games. Shaquille Hippolyte-Patrick, our other main striker really stepped up in the last 2 games. He scored a brace against Scotland in a 3-1 victory, and he was always dangerous hitting the woodwork twice in the final match against the Republic of Ireland (2-2) draw.

Thus it was a very much a nearly year for the England team in the competition. Despite a horrible start, being 3-0 down after 15 minutes of the first game against Wales, the team recovered extremely well, to remain unbeaten in the next 3 matches. The draw against Northern Ireland was memorable as the Plymouth Schools’ FA organised a fantastic game and matched the 3500 plus crowd the we played in front of at Lincoln City FC. The game was fast and skilful. If (a big word in football) we had converted a higher percentage of our chances in the games we would have achieved the 3 wins we needed after losing to Wales.

Our final game against the Republic of Ireland was a tremendous encounter. This was a fantastic advert for schoolboy football. The pace and skill level shown by all the players was extremely high. Both goalkeepers made a number of memorable saves on the night. I was proud and pleased that we could achieve this high level of performance.

Playing for England schoolboys is more than just performing on the pitch. Our players were exemplary in visiting the primary schools in the morning of home games. They won many plaudits and fans from teachers and pupils alike. We also received glowing comments from residents in the many hotels that we stayed in for games. I thank the players here for their tremendous attitude and behaviour.

This season, I was supported by a lot of new faces in the management team. They all brought enthusiasm, knowledge and a wealth of experience with them. Andy Blight gave me valuable advice and delivered many great coaching sessions. Michael Johnson the new goalkeeper coach, who is completing a psychology masters in sport, worked impressively with our two young keepers. It was a testament to his skills that Tom Gowans, the No 2, was able step in when Mikey Pearce was injured for the last 2 games with such ease and confidence. Steve Wilderspin (physio) was again terrific in not only his role but he too brought his own depth of knowledge in the game to the group. We have been a tight knit unit all season. Dr Arthur Tabor a far more experienced hand at this level continues to amaze us all with his insight into the mind and bodies of us all!

So tinged with a little disappointment when it comes to the failure to win enough games, my first season as manger concludes. However, the players could not have given any more in effort, nor could the rest of the staff. Hopefully we will have a better preparation phase for the Shield next year (we only played one game together prior to the first match against Wales) and hopefully we will not lose so many boys to injury before we kick the first ball.

After a tough game against New Zealand which resulted in yet another draw 1-1, John Read and his team organised an fitting end for both the parents and the boys in the beautiful surroundings of the Manor Hotel, where caps were received and photographs taken that will be proud mementos for all concerned.

Thank you everyone who has made this a wonderful experience for me, it remains a privilege and an honour to lead such terrific group of young men and staff.

Andy Buckingham

Andy Blight (L) & Andy Buckingham (R)