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Under 18 Champions 2008
The first Hamsey Rangers team to win the Under 18 A Division of the Tandridge Youth League.
The team was managed by Jim Weeks and developed from Under 9's, with two original members as well as many who remained with the team for many seasons. The boys had many ups and downs, ranging from relegation to league winners at Under 13 level, but the team reached their peak in 2007-08, reaching the League Cup semi final and clinching the Tandridge League title with a game to spare. A cup final was one step away but they lost out to a very good South Bank side 5-3 in a thrilling semi. However a crucial win against fellow title challengers Junior Sports on 13th April 2008 set the scene for the title celebrations with a 3-0 win at Farleigh Youth a week later.
The Squad:-
Martin Bruce [Brucie]
Goalkeeper. Joined from little league at under 13's and developed into a very athletic and brave stopper. There is no reason why Martin cannot be very successful at senior level. His personal highlight during the Championship season was his wind assisted goal away at Stanhope.
Sam Weeks [Spike]
Full Back. One of the original members who made the right back position his own although he did not always played there. Very difficult to beat one on one and had an eye for the clever pass.
Danny Curt [Curtis]
Defender. Played right across the back four and also midfield. Good in the air and aways steady and reliable.
Dan Latter
Defender. Joined for the Championship season coming over from Purley Panthers, playing at centre back. Solid and determined, strong in the air and one of the best talkers in the team. Supporters' Player of the Year in 2007-08.
Michael Bleach [Bleachy]
Defender. Spent most of his football years at Hamsey but did play elsewhere for a couple of seasons. Bleachy loved the physical side of the game in the air or on the ground and made lots of noise! Manager's and Player's Player of the Year in 2007-08.
Neil Fleming [Nellie]
Midfield. Played at Hamsey for about five seasons, joining from Selsdon Juniors and was captain for the last two seasons. Very competitive with a great engine that got him all over the pitch for the 90 minutes.
Michael Bryne [Makka]
Midfield. Joined Hamsey in the Championship season from Whyteleafe, a no nonsense type of player who would sit in the midfield, get the ball and play it simple. Provided the type of play that the team had been missing prior to 2007-08.
Craig Fosset
Midfield. A very creative player who always found the cleaver pass short or long. Also had a great strike and scored a couple of beauties during the final campaign. Joined with the Purley boys.
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Simon Lidbury [Arnie]
Midfield. Simon played for Hamsey for 2 seasons, generally playing wide left. Could hit a great ball with pace and was also probably the fittest in the side. He also added goals to his game during the final season. Ended the 2007-08 season as Most Improved Player.
Lewis Blackman [Hamilton]
Midfield. Wide right was probably Lewis' best position but could also play full back and even up front. Very quick with good feet his claim to fame was a 15 minute hat trick against The Warren.
Jack Dolling [Nipper]
Midfield/Forward. Very competitive with a good touch. Liked to play attacking midfield as he liked to be where the action is which occasionally upset the refs. Played mostly as the second striker and ended the season as top scorer.
Bradley Grey [Rash]
Forward. Brad was one of those annoying strikers who wouldn't go away, always snapping at the heels of defenders looking for scraps. A real fox in the box who poached around the 6 yard box.
Dan Griffith [Griff]
Forward. Dan returned to Hamsey for a couple of seasons after a spell away. Had a good season as a forward but played in every position for Hamsey over the years. Was one of the original players from under 9's where he started in goal! Had a great touch and scored good quality goals.
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