Palmer praises players for pushing standards ahead of crucial run of games for Slimbridge
Slimbridge Co-Manager Michael Palmer has praised his side for continuing to improve standards and giving real competition for places as they go into a crucial run of matches that could decide their season’s fortunes.
On Saturday, Slimbridge claimed a 3-0 win over Royal Wootton Bassett Town as they remain four points off Hellenic Premier leaders Roman Glass St George, however the Swans have SIX games in hand over the leaders and three games in hand over 2nd place Droitwich Spa.
Saturday’s win takes their run of form to four wins and a draw from their last five matches in all competitions and Palmer praised his side for how they have reacted since their County Cup defeat at Longlevens in December.
“I was absolutely delighted with both the result and, in particular, the second-half performance on Saturday,” said Palmer.
“Full credit has to go to Bassett, they’re a very well drilled, well organised side who always try to play, and they gave a really good account of themselves. They asked us plenty of questions, especially in the first half, and it was clear they raised their game.
At half-time we knew we had to respond, and I thought the way the lads came out in the second half was outstanding. The intensity, togetherness, and we showed as a collective we were excellent, and ultimately it got us the result we were looking for.
As I said, the lads have given a brilliant account of themselves once again and to be fair, it’s been a bit of a pattern throughout the season, whenever we’ve had a blip or a setback, however you want to describe it, the response from the group has always been very positive.
They’ve taken those moments as an incentive to push on, and I think that mentality is crucial for any team that wants to be successful, whether that’s in the league, the cups, or as part of their overall development.
From a management point of view, it’s really pleasing to see how confident we are in the group we know that if we do drop points or have a setback, the lads will respond, either immediately the following week or by going on a strong run.
Full credit to the players for their attitude and mentality, because that resilience has been a real strength for us,” added Palmer.
With a Fourth Round FA Vase tie to come this weekend and massive home games in the Hellenic Premier against Highworth Town and Fairford Town to come in the next fortnight, Slimbridge have added to their ranks with two eye-catching forward signings.
Oli Barnes has reunited with former Brimscombe & Thrupp manager Sam Prior by joining from Tuffley Rovers, whilst winger Shiyak Sutherland has returned to Thornhill Park from Longlevens – these two forward options have coincided with the return from injury for Sam Blackie and Palmer has praised the new players for settling in well and the existing squad for continuing to work hard to give him, Tom Deakin, Ben Powell and Prior selection headaches.
“Bringing Barnsey [Oli Barnes] and Shiyak into the group only makes us stronger, especially when you consider the lads have been fantastic up to this point.
When the opportunity to add them came up, we felt as a group it was one we couldn’t turn down. They’re both proven players at this level and they’ve fitted in really well.
Barnsey has come in and hit the ground running, while Shiyak made his debut at the weekend and was very impressive. I’ve worked with him before, so we know exactly what he brings.
On top of that, we’ve also had Sam Blackie return, and he’s been excellent both on and off the pitch. He gives us real energy in the middle of the park and is a strong leader within the group,” Palmer told us.
“What’s important to stress as well is the quality of the players we already have in the squad. The lads we’ve targeted and worked hard to bring together this season have been outstanding, and adding these players into that existing group only makes us even stronger. The blend we’ve got now of new additions, returning players, and the core group already here puts us in a really good place.
We’ve also got other players coming back, like Joe Stokes, who is a fantastic footballer, and Joe Hunt, who brings experience and leadership defensively. As a management team, we can’t speak highly enough of the group as a whole.
The competition for places is pushing standards every week, and that togetherness is making us stronger as the season goes on,” Palmer added.
With Saturday’s trip to Downton comes a chance for Slimbridge to equal their best ever run in the Vase, when they were knocked out in the Fifth Round in the 2006/07 season.
In February the Swans head to Stonehouse in the Hellenic League Challenge Cup and they have a serious chance at winning the Premier Division, so with Slimbridge fighting on fronts for three pieces of silverware at the time of writing, Palmer admits that silverware isn’t the be-all and end-all for the Swans this season and giving Slimbridge a high quality squad that is competitive and passionate for the club is the most important thing.
“I think to be successful, you need a squad, it’s as simple as that,” said Palmer. “Whether you’re chasing the highest possible league finish or looking to be successful in cup competitions, you can’t do it with just eleven players. You need depth, rotation, and everyone bought into the same idea.
The lads have been really good with that and they understand the importance of rotation. It’s something the whole group has bought into this season.
Of course, players get frustrated if they’re not starting, but that’s natural and it’s been in a healthy way. What’s been really pleasing is that even when lads haven’t been involved, they’ve still turned up to support the team, which says a lot about the characters in the dressing room.
There’s a real togetherness within the group, players support each other regardless of who’s starting or rotated, and that unity is going to be vital with a tough run of fixtures coming up.
We’re taking it week by week. We’re grateful for where we are, we’ll keep our heads down, keep pushing, and see where it takes us as a group,” added Palmer.
Slimbridge head to Downton in the FA Vase this Saturday before hosting Highworth Town in the Hellenic Premier the following weekend.
READ MORE: Check out the list of Saturday’s fixtures in and around Gloucestershire right here
READ MORE: Check out the list of Sunday’s Women’s fixtured in and around Gloucestershire right here
