Duchy Premier League
AFTER a difficult season last time out Gunnislake Football Club are looking forward to the 2004/2005 campaign.
Managerial uncertainties, many player comings and goings and more than their fair share of injuries, saw Gunnislake struggle on the field last season ? only securing their premier division status in their penultimate league game.
Relegation was avoided when, in the New Year, veteran Andy Southcott returned to the club as player manager, and many experienced players followed suit.
Southcott continues in charge this season, and has recruited Steve Gaggini as his assistant. Gaggini was one of a number of players to suffer serious injury last term, and as he cannot look forward to a playing return in the near future he has jumped at the chance to be involved on the managerial side.
Gunnislake have amassed a sizeable squad and are delighted that this includes no fewer than seven players aged 18 or less, these being Ian Gray, Alan Doidge, Dave Yorath, Tom Wakenshaw, Darren Sambells and brothers Steff and Jared Kelly.
Friendlies and training have gone well, with one notable exception ? Neil Kinger suffered a recurrence of the knee injury that caused him to miss most of last season.
Gunnislake kick off their league campaign with two home matches in three days. On Thursday September 4 St Cleer visit for a 6.30pm kick off, and on the Saturday Polperro provide the opposition, kick off 2.30pm.