Big 2011 planned for Crosses

The team that has taken the Spar Mid Wales League by storm has made some ambitious resolutions for 2011.

Four Crosses enjoyed an unbeaten run of eight games in Division Two to join the leading pack and they have been busy recruiting during the unofficial winter break.

As well as the pursuit for promotion under exciting young manager Nick Popyk, Four Crosses have plans to form a reserve team; form closer relations with junior football as well as improve the spectator facilities at their Foxen Manor ground following a successful grant application. And the hard work off the pitch will continue.

Chairman Dave Jones said: “Four Crosses Football Club are looking to enter a reserve team into the J T Hughes Div 2 next season. It is something we have considered over the past few months. At present we are unable to accommodate all of the players signed on and as a result some have understandably moved on. We would like them all back, because many are very capable players.

“Another source of players that we feel we should be tapping into are the local youth leagues. Many young players play to under 16 level and are then lost to football, the perception is that these players are too young for senior football. We as a club disagree, last season we had two players in our senior team aged 16, with one of them our player of the year.

“Young players tend to be very keen and highly motivated and need to be encouraged to stay in football. We as a club are failing in our responsibilities if we do not provide an outlet for them to fulfill their full potential.

“We are at present seeking a reserve team manager, who can now start building the links necessary, to encourage youngsters to take advantage of a club with some of the finest facilities in the area. Anyone interested should in the first instance contact me on 01691 830319.”

The ambitious manager backs his board’s plans and is looking forward to a busy New Year.

“When I took the job, one point I made was that it is vital for the long term future that local youngsters and fringe players continue to play for their local team rather than looking elsewhere for a game and the formation of a reserve side playing in the amateur league next season will enable us to make sure this happens.

“In addition to this we are looking to form a natural link with Llanymynech Juniors who are producing some great talent that will shortly be looking to move into senior football and we want them to be looking at breaking into the Four Crosses set up; firstly with the reserves and then the step to the first team. We have great facilities, and a first class forward thinking committee who all have Four crosses running through their veins - for this reason we need to playing football at the highest level we can.”

The club recently received a boost by a successful application for funding to improve the standing area for spectators.