YET again the weather wiped out most of the South Western League Premier Division programme on the February 7, Holsworthy being no exception, writes Alistair Clements.

Life though continues behind the scenes with next season already receiving consideration.

First and foremost the Football Management has to be clarified, despite a difficult early season, there has been a marked improvement of late compared with that very poor start. Changing management is rarely very successful (there are a number of clubs in the Football League who have got through five or six managers in two years, and who are in a worse position than when they started). The present joint managers Mickey Clarke and Keith Rickard are with the blessing of the committee, remaining for next season and this early confirmation gives them time and confidence to continue their team rebuilding.

This season's difficulties stem from an appalling start, with a third of the season gone and a potential 58 points at stake, only 4 had actually been achieved with a number of 4, 5 or 6 goal defeats, creating an adverse goal count of something like 50. The top team in the division had a similar positive difference.

Strangely since then (the first week in November) the weather has wrecked the programme with only two home league games being playable. The subsequent two month gap, with six away games, has enabled the ship to be steadied and whilst the league position remains precarious, it has improved markedly in relation to other strugglers, suggesting that, disasters barring, a Premier Division place should be maintained.

The team has been restructured, younger players brought in and training improved. There is hardly a supporter in the ground who would not prefer to see younger players making the effort even if not successful, than prima donnas lacking incentive and that scenario has now been addressed. It is also true that if you are going to have a bad run, do it early as you then have time to correct matters. Again this applies.

The last away game, an away loss to Dartmouth, having been 4-1 down at one stage would have resulted in a thrashing early in the season, in fact the players rolled up their sleeves and pulled back to 4-3, they were dominant in the last 20 minutes and given a few minutes more may well have equalised against a strong, physical, hard marking opposition. This augers well for next season when a hopefully solid start will give confidence later on.

The Club itself with little income from gate admission due to all the postponements, is in a surprisingly healthy financial state. It will not spend money it does not have and has cash in the bank, not a lot but the very fact that it is solvent is unusual. There are plenty of clubs in Devon and Cornwall who have large debts, we find this unacceptable. Prudent financial control means the club survives.

The attendances this season have held up well averaging just into three figures, amongst the highest in the division and higher than many in leagues two or three levels up the Pyramid. Many a Western League, Southern League and Ryman League side would be delighted to have such a loyal level of support.

The outlook for the second half of the season is quite encouraging, a solid showing will give a solid base for the future particularly with younger players coming through.