For a Club like Bath City the encouragement of younger players is essential. The work being done by the Foundation stimulates more interest in the City's football Club - through the coaching sessions some might be good enough to move through the Club's youth structure but many enjoy the excitement of the game and come along to watch.
The work being done by Billy Clark at the Bath City Academy is really bearing fruit. Noah Keats is now a fixture in midfield and Dan Bowman's rise has been meteoric.
Indeed City's team does have a youthful look about it when you add in Dan Ball, Jason Mellor and Chris Allen. Young Elliott Gibbons is now getting a place on City's bench.
It is notable that other recent signings Andy Watkins, Dave Pratt and Ross Stearn are all in their early twenties.
There will always be a need for the older professional at the Club.....currently Josh Low, Adam Connolly, Jim Rollo, Aaron Brown and Joe Burnell are the players with league experience at a senior level and over the years the flow of ex League players into the Club has always been important to bringing fans in. There were also the the cameos by people like ex Tottenham midfielder Darren Caskey and ex Glasgow Rangers defender Jimmy McIlroy.
With money tight we need that blend of home grown youth and experience and the signs are that we are achieving it.
City's trip to lowly Boreham wood ended in another victory and a brilliant left foot strike into the top corner from Andy Watkins to win it. It was a hard fought win but the signs are that City's team spirit and battling qualities are back with a vengeance. One of the experienced ex League players, Joe Burnell, was universally agreed as man of the match but Mark Preece also played well and Jason Mellor made a match winning save in the second half.
City are now in the top 5 and hold a playoff place.
It is quite a turnaround in just a few short weeks and credit must go the the management team, players and hardy fans who have continued to back the players.
The return fixture against Boreham Wood is at May Day Trust Park next Saturday. We hope for another 3 points to stay in touch at the top.
The following Saturday's game against Ebbsfleet is now postponed so it will be the Boxing day clash with Weston that will be the next home fixture after this coming Saturday.
So if you need your City football fix before Christmas, this Saturday is your last chance. At least you can offer to go Christmas shopping on the 14th!
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