Rowlinson and Stockport Want to Win "Everything"
| Published: 10th October 2008 20:20 |
SIMON Rowlinson has revealed his ambitious side have set out to win "everything" this season.
By Neil Goulding (English Lacrosse Press Officer, 07813 859986)
The Stockport coach saw his side miss out on the Men's North of England League Premier Division by just two points last season, pipped at the post by first-time winners Wilmslow.
And the Beech Road boys also failed to win the Northern Senior Flags crown, a competition they last won in the 2004-05 season when they beat Heaton Mersey 14-10.
But Rowlinson has not been afraid to voice his team's bold hopes for long-overdue honours. They have their first chance at honours on Sunday 26th October against Wilmslow in the Referee's Trophy final.
"We want to win everything," said Rowlinson, whose side lock horns with local rivals Heaton Mersey tomorrow (Saturday).
"That might sound big-headed, but it's not big-headed. We're ambitious and we want win titles at Stockport.
"We've got a very strong squad and all the players want to be successful."
So far so good. Stockport beat former league winners Cheadle, 8-5 in a tough opening fixture of the season, before hammering promoted Poynton 20-1 last weekend.
And with the return of talented players Simon McGuigan and James Shaw, it's no wonder Rowlinson believes his squad is capable of great things.
Shaw has yet to force his way back into the first team so far this season, while McGuigan has impressed since his return.
"James knew it would be tough to get back in the side because we have some really good defenders, but it's a nice headache to have, competition for places is good," added Rowlinson
Attacker Richard Wilson has yet to play this term because of a knee-injury, but under the guidance of new co-captains Tom Williamson, Tom Gosnay and Wilson, Stockport have already made a promising start.
And with experienced midfielders Paul Fullerton and Chris Bland, both former England internationals, still giving their all for the club, Stockport are sure to be a force to be reckoned with, as they have been in recent years.
"Paul and Chris have both become dads, but hopefully we'll get another season out of them," Rowlinson continued.
"We've got three young captains and myself and Keith Gosnay are coaching the team together this season."
Stockport tried to entice Dave Bryant, the former England midfielder, back to the club last season, but the qualified doctor has not expressed an interest in playing again.
"It's a shame because we could with him in the side. He's one of the quickest players I've ever seen on a lacrosse field.
"We tried a couple of times last season to get him, it's a big waste he's not playing."
Looking ahead to the weekend's clash with rivals Mersey, Rowlinson added: "They never give you an easy game. They know are weaknesses and they'll be trying to exploit them.
"There's a few little grudges when we play them, it's always a tough game of lacrosse. We're looking forward to the challenge."
Fixtures - Saturday 11th October
Men's North of England League - Premier Division: Stockport v Heaton Mersey, Wilmslow v Timperley, Manchester Waconians v Poynton, Boardman and Eccles v Cheadle, Mellor v Sheffield Steelers.
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