Features, Ian Varley
Varley: I am more than satisfied
Published by Gillingham Ladies Media on December 24, 2010
In August the Ladies embarked on their first season in the Southern Premiership and at the mid way point they sit middle of the table.
As we have now reached the Christmas break the Gills Ladies site has caught up with manager Ian Varley for his views on the season so far.
Giving his opinion on the Ladies debut season in the Southern Premiership, Ian said: “I think we have made a steady start to life in the Southern Premiership and if the League wasn’t as small or as tight we’d be much further up the table.
“If you look at it we have averaged a point a game in the League, made it to the last 16 of the National League Cup and have started our defence of the Kent Cup in pleasing style. Getting to the Last 16 of the League Cup having just come up from the Combination is a great achievement and who would have thought a couple of years ago we would be classed as one of the best 16 teams in the Country!”
It was always going to be a steep learning curve for the Ladies in their first season and Ian admits that he has learnt a fair amount already.
He added: “Personally I have learnt a lot and still continue to learn as the season progresses. You have to be a lot more consistent at this level and have 8-9 players playing at the top of their game week in week out, which is something we’ve not been doing.
“Last season in the combination we could have 1 or 2 brilliant individual performances which would comfortably win the game and that is certainly not the case this season. We need to be more of a team and that’s something I am working tirelessly on.”
The manager also revealed that he is happy with the Ladies League position and where the Club are heading in the second half of the season.
He said: “I am more than satisfied with how it has gone and hopefully we can kick on in all competitions after the enforced winter and Christmas break.
“If we can go on a run in the League then there’s no reason why we can’t push up the table and I’d expect us to retain the Kent Cup and if we can get some good draws make the latter stages of the FA Cup.”
Ian brought in a number of new players over the summer and he believes that fans will start to see the best of them in the New Year.
He added: “The girls and the Club in general make it so easy for the new players to settle in and that’s been no exception this season. We have made a lot of signings and I truly believe we will see even more from those players in the New Year having completed their first 6 months at the Club. I am delighted with all the players we’ve brought in though.
As the Club heads into the enforced Christmas and Winter break, Ian wanted to thank a few key people at the Club.
He said: “I just want to say a massive thank you to all the players who have been great to work with and also most importantly Martin, Chris and all the staff who work tirelessly to keep this Club going which is not easy.
“These things certainly get overlooked from time to time but without their hard work myself and the players wouldn’t be able to train and play every week and also wouldn’t be able to enjoy all the off field exposure they get. Everyone really does appreciate it, finally I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
