The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

It was not my intention to criticise any of the people that have done a fantastic job in running AFC. My concern was that I thought the players were being exposed to risks by playing so soon after a match and there being no substitutes for any injuries.
I APOLOGISE TO ALL THE PEOPLE I APPEAR TO HAVE UPSET

You can please some of the people some of time eh? :roll: A shambles is what is happening at NP !!!

Its plainly stupid to think, even for one second, that Mark Starmer, or anyone involved in AFC R&D, would put young player's health at risk for a friendly.

Well done to everyone for organising the two games this weekend, I enjoyed yesterday's and was disappointed not to make today's, but one thing I do know is that the best interests of our players is utmost in the minds of all those involved !

icm wrote:My concern was that I thought the players were being exposed to risks by playing so soon after a match and there being no substitutes for any injuries.

I think your concerns are unfounded. Young lads, physically fit would be able to cope with two games in successive days with very few problems. You have to bear in mind that in a typical 11v11 90 minute match each player will be on the ball for an average of three minutes and most injuries occur when the player is in contact or close to the ball.

Don't forget also that these games are learning experiences for these lads so the more they play, the more decisions they make, the better their decision making becomes and the better player they become. A fine example of 'deep practice'.

My Under 11's were gutted when our match was called of yesterday, I'm sure all these lads enjoyed their game(s) over the weekend.

What the OP should have realised is that Mark's team was an Old-RDFC XI. In other words all his selected players were from other clubs and therefore he had no control when, for whatevever reasons, some at the eleventh hour were not able to play in yesterday's match despite making a commitment to play earlier in the week.

I would applaud all the excellent work being done by the acting committee and other volunteers and trust that none will be put off by this unwarranted criticism of the final team that played yesterday afternoon.

Let's face it in four days we've organised and played in three matches and yet two prominent professional local clubs were unable to play one last Saturday. ;)

One of the lads played over St. Neots in the morning then came back and started a game in the combination at 2pm. These lads must be applauded. To be fair when your that age, you can do it!

TwinkleToesTomlin wrote:One of the lads played over St. Neots in the morning then came back and started a game in the combination at 2pm. These lads must be applauded. To be fair when your that age, you can do it!

How's he getting on btw? Still looking decent in mens football?

AndyKirkup wrote:

TwinkleToesTomlin wrote:One of the lads played over St. Neots in the morning then came back and started a game in the combination at 2pm. These lads must be applauded. To be fair when your that age, you can do it!

How's he getting on btw? Still looking decent in mens football?

Extremely well. Earnt his place in the first team, you would never guess how old he was when you seen him bulldozing his way through big 15stone men :lol: He played out on the right on saturday which isn't his position for me, but yes, very impressed!