The Oaks were one of the most-improved teams last season and, with some of their big guns returning, managers Ric Blank and Alex Schock expect their troops to deliver. Mark them down as dark horses.
COMPETITIONS ENTERED: Morrison, Anekstein and the Prem
PLAYERS IN: We’ve added Lee Warner and Simon ‘Skip’ Davies to the squad and feel we have better strength and depth which will be crucial when the ‘northern weddings’ take hold this winter. We also hope to have Eddie Manson, Josh Rubin and Adam Levine back from injury. That’s three very big players.
HOPES FOR THE SEASON: We’ve trained hard this summer, had the usual approaches for our players from London Lions Saturday side despite Maccabi football being of "a really poor standard". The boys at Oakwood know they have something special – and we’re only going to get stronger. I’ve challenged everyone to be part of something big – something they can look back on with pride.
Oh and we’ve moved pitches. We’ve gone for the 3G. We just felt if you can’t beat them ... we had success on 3G last season (beating Faithfold and Raiders at Brunel) and want to give it a go this year. Also we’re sick of being eight games behind everyone. It’s not conducive to a successful season. It makes Hendon’s success last year all the more impressive, but it doesn’t suit us.
MAIN RIVALS: The Prem is going to be unbelievably competitive. Raiders have taken Brady’s best players and, considering they weren’t missing much to begin with, must be among the favourites. Hendon are always strong, Faithfold too - but the players that FC Team and Harmen have signed are ridiculous. I’ll be amazed if they’re not both contesting the title come May. I’m sure that’s what they’ll be aiming for.
We’ve spoken about it and will plan for those games carefully. Like everyone we want to be in the mix but need to stop conceding goals. We’ve worked hard over the summer and no-one will enjoy playing us. If we get a good start we’ll take some stopping. But for now it’s one game at a time.
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