Captains corner - Jordan Dudas
How the season is going –
Very well, this is the most I and many others have smiled playing football for Arundel in a few years, however we can still do better. A fantastic FA Cup run where the squad showed fantastic character, work rate and skill to produce the results we did and achieve what we did. Breaking a few club records which, I am personally honoured to have captained the team through this time. A very strong start in the league which is the focus for this year, grinding out results and also completely out playing teams has been really pleasing to be a part of. We must keep this momentum going and keep working hard on and off the pitch to give us the best chance possible!
Response from last season –
I cannot fault the work and effort which has gone in both on and off the pitch from all aspects of the club. The committee and all volunteers as always working hard to prepare everything for us management and players to perform in training and on matchday. All with the mindset to get Arundel back to the country premier where we belong. However, getting relegated has been a positive learning curve for all involved. Ensuring the right staff and players with the correct attitude are brought into the club to help us hit our targets!
Difference from last season –
from a management and players perspective we are a completely different outfit now. This is not to disrespect the players and staff last season, but things have changed massively. A now added hunger to do things right from the start giving us the best chance to achieve, at a minimum promotion back to the county prem. We now train and play with a purpose, sticking to what will win us games, this didn’t happen last year, we gave up or turned into a team of individuals when things didn’t go our way. This year the maturity and character from the team to stick together as a family and grind results out when we have our backs to the wall is incredible!
New players and coaching staff –
Si has done superbly getting the coaching staff in around him this year, their experience and skill is second to none and will really make the difference this year. Our training is structured to ensure we are playing to our strengths and players know what they are doing on the pitch. Away from the tactics we are looked after physically and mentally which I am sure I am correct in saying no other club in the league can offer!
This is the most competitive squad with strength in depth that I have been a part of with Arundel, from our youngest first team players to our oldest players. The efforts that have gone in to bring in the new faces have really made a difference on and off the pitch. Without the players we have brought in we would certainly not be in the position In the league that we are currently in! All the new faces have bought into our ‘family’ ethos and we have a really decent set of lads which makes it a joy to come and work together every week!
How the team is feeling –
after coming out of a tough few weeks with games Tuesday / Saturday for nearly a month with countless cup games and back to the domestic we have found it hard picking up 10 or so injuries! We came away from doing what we were best at which brought a little frustration into the team. However, I think the lads have seen the light after bouncing back after the defeat to Seaford and got a spring back in our step giving us that confidence, we need every week. As a captain I am absolutely raring to go every week and I know the lads will take lots of confidence after beating Wick convincingly into every game knowing we can win.
Jordan