BRIDGWATER & Albion head coach Simon Morrell has already started planning for the future, but before it’s forgotten he shared his thoughts on the 2016/17 campaign, writes Richard Walsh.

Reflecting on the campaign, he said: “Inevitably it was a slow burner at first as we had a lot of new boys out in September, but in October and November we had a similar squad and got some good momentum going, and I felt that going up to Clevedon in November that we were on for a top three finish.

“That game at Clevedon completely changed the dynamics of the side because we lost Rob Allen, Luke Plummer, and Brad Field, who went after that game. 

“That, combined with the loss of other players, derailed us and we were potentially in a vulnerable position – we could so easily have crumbled.

“We didn’t, however, and all credit to the boys as they didn’t unravel. 

“Of course we don’t want to repeat that experience, but because of what happened we have seen players like Shaun Mahoney, Jordan Buller and Kyran Devitt really step up to the plate.

“Ollie Dunn has moved up to a different level, in addition to which there are a number of lads who have taken their opportunity to play at this level and done really well for us.”

Morrell talked about the implications looking forward: “We are very nicely poised given that we were missing 18 players for the last game we played. 

“When we get our established players back into the fold we will have a very strong squad, so we are quietly confident that we will finish higher up the league than we have this year.”

“The pleasing aspect of this season has to be that we have used 40-odd players who to a man have bought into our system.

“All of the players we have called upon have shown that they are capable of stepping up to this level, so if you add the senior guys into that mix then we are in a really strong position.

“There has been a really good buzz about the place this season and the boys have been brilliant.”

Morrell added: “We know what we have got within this group and we have moved on significantly from when I took over last summer, so there is no doubt that we will be looking to finish much higher up the table next season.”

The Bridgwater & Albion players report back for pre-season training in the first week in July - contact geoff@barfc.co.uk for more.