2003/4: A YEAR TO FORGET
First Team Skipper Mike Emes on a season of disappointment

So, if we're honest, it's been a difficult and ultimately disappointing season. We all hoped for a lot better, and perhaps found ourselves on a losing streak at the start of the season that we couldn't shake off. Relegation stinks, but we'll be looking to work hard in pre-season and start a promotion campaign from the very first match of next season, ready to restore our position in Div 1. We oughtn't forget that no Harpenden men's team has ever been in Div 1 before, and it was never going to be easy.

So, it's a credit to the lads that we kept going all year. While we may have leaked goals and struggled to bag consistently at the other end, heads stayed up and the work rate never dropped. A number of individuals still played some good hockey, and this stands us in good stead. The Player of the year will be announced at the Annual Ball but here are my thoughts on the runners and riders...

Matt Horn; aka Paddington Horn (Played 21, Scored 2).
The short, fat, hairy chap at the back. He's been solid at the back and grown into his sweeper role (quite literally on the hair front), supporting the midfield and progressing up the pitch whenever the chance presents itself. His distribution has been the start of many attacking opportunities for the team as well as his constant no guts-no glory approach to putting tackles in. He has worked hard all season being at most training sessions which should also be commended.

Daniel Burgess; aka Skinny D (Played 22, Scored 6).
What can you say? It does what it says on the tin. Danny has been Danny all season terrorising the right side. We tried moving Skinny to centre forward towards the end of the season with magnificent results scoring 3 in the last 2 games to finish the season as top scorer in the 1s with 6 league goals. A really positive move and one which more conventional forwards will have to work hard to push him back out to the right next season.

Kevin Moxham, aka Sanjeey (Played 21, Scored 4).
Proven his versatility by playing a number of positions this year. His effort and desire to win is beyond measure being a stalwart in the team and club. Not only has his performances on the pitch demanded consideration for the Player of the Year, but his efforts for both the ladies as a coach, and 3s/4s as umpire. Top club man.

Russell Timms, aka Rusty (Played 18, Scored 2).
His pace and determination going forward has been an asset to the team and was missed in the early part of the season when he was sidelined by injury. A few performances stick in my mind such as the Ipswich game before Xmas were he was dominant in midfield and probably made the difference in that game, ensuring our first win. Always great to have in the team, if nothing to make sure Flimmsy has the most up-to-date hand-me-downs! Plus, who could forget his performances in goal. A true club man.

Nigel Timms, aka Danny LaRusso (Played 12, Scored 4).
Although some may be surprised, Flimmsy was our most potent striker this season. Statistically the most likely player on the pitch to score, scoring a goal at least every 3 games (2.5 in all competitions). His pace literally scares defenders, but if only we could get his first touch sorted. A goal machine waiting to happen. Counting on you next season Nigel....

Alan Clark, aka Vinny (Played 21, Clean sheets 2).
One of the more 'colourful' individuals in the side. To the big man's credit this season, his efforts at the back have keep us in a number of games. Take the 0-0 draw with Bury in the first half of the season - without Vinny between the sticks we would have surely gone down with a loss.

Paul Nash; Billy Nashville (Played 16, Scored 1)
Another Mr Versatile playing all over this season. Nashville is a picture of commitment at HHC, willing to battle hard to demand 1st team selection. >From a captains point of view, the pocket rocket has been a great player to have in the mix. Determined, gets on with the job and supports you all the way. Plus, I'm sure the goal against Ipswich will earn an extra vote or two (from himself!).

Paul Davison; aka Gavo (Played 20, Scored 0)
Silvestre has looked more likely to score off the pitch than on. Has had a season much the same as his Saturday night performances..... exciting, promising start with a goal in Alzey from a slick corner routine, then trailed off into a drought for the rest! Seriously, has been a work horse in midfield and always willing to fight for the team. Looking forward to more goals in a dominant season next year. Perhaps a serious bird next year might also settle him for the season!

Rich Stock; aka Gravy (Played 9, Scored 3)
A late starter to the team during the year. Made an instant impact in his first game against Shefford getting on the score sheet. Although not yet a commanding presence up front, he seems to get himself into the right places to notch. A great start and a player we will be looking to improve again next season to build on the progress this year.

Sam Martyn; aka Spaniel (Played 17, Scored 0)
Some thought the public school boy at the back might be more comfortable in the 2s this year... no way! Sam has battled all season long and for me, was one of the first people this year to command his place in the 1s. His grit and true commitment to the cause is a great asset to have. More of the same next year please!

Graham Smith; aka Nothing fancy, just G (Played 19, Scored 0)
Smifter much like Spaniel before him has shown great commitment with a number of battling performances. His work in the Bury draw pre-xmas and Nomads are two that stick in my mind. He has even ventured to dabble on the right flank a couple of times this season.

David Waters; aka Dee Dubs (Played 9, Scored 1)
Another late comer to the team, but showed his class instantly... if not his pace. Has been a good addition to the squad this year and with fitness next season (after his summer marathon training), I would expect him to demand a place in the 1st XI. We must also remember that goal against Letchworth help seal the win.

Neil Lunn; aka Lunninho (Played 9, Scored 1)
Lunny has had a difficult season, playing in a tough year to show his ability and cement a place in the team. He has put in some sterling performances. He will be leaving us next year to pastures new up in Scotland but we will look forward to seeing him during Easter / Xmas holidays and welcome him home any time he is homesick. We will be looking forward even more to his return (hopefully) once university has finished and he can continue with HHC as the next generation for the club.

Ali Hutson; aka Jabba The Hutson (Played 15, Scored 3)
Has had a tough season through injury which meant he has not played as many games as he (and I) would have hoped. An exciting and direct player always looking to move forward and score goals. Who can forget that goal against Shefford just after half time... awesome. Hopefully fit and injury free next year....

Ross Walker; aka Roselyn (Played 7, Scored 0)
Another one with a tough season through injury although I have my doubts. Turns out his wife is expecting so may be he was over exerting in other areas... He's timed it right though. New born due before the season starts and ready to train pre-season!

Mike Emes; aka The Dude (Played 22, Scored 3)
Battled on throughout the season, and reckon I posted a few reasonable performances. Still got the no look pass which seems to have worked a couple of times.... if Nashy can read it, anyone can!

Gareth Lloyd, Rob Arnsby, Niall McAlister, Niall Blackwell, Ben Brind
All of the above have contributed to the team with occasional appearances during the year for the 1s and are worth a mention. We hope to see more of Lloydy next year as a player rather than a coach which is great news for the club. Robbie Arnsby has improved constantly in the later half of the season being a permanent fixture at training. QC notched 1 at the beginning of the season but decided he was best used to develop the 2s. Blacky has found it tough to establish himself in a tough season for all but some promising signs for next season. Brindy filled in for Vinny late in the season so thanks goes to him.