Copyright © All rights reserved. Made By Dave Deacon for CORNISH SOCCER PUBLICATIONS
The voice of football in the Duchy
One of the results to make you look twice again on Saturday (Oct 27th), was Mevagissey’s 6-2 win at St Columb Major. I was able to get the following from their manager in the week leading up to that tremendous result...........
Let’s introduce and tell you a little more about John Raikes, Manager of Duchy League Premier Division side Mevagissey
Let’s introduce and tell you a little more about John Raikes, Manager of Duchy League Premier Division side Mevagissey
I have managed Mevagissey for five seasons now and have learnt so much and at the age of 28 have so much more to learn. We have gone from bare eleven and struggling in Division 1 to battling in the top five in the Premier Division. We have a very good young reserve team now which is handy for me, especially when the two managers Matt Mills and Bevis Robins are great to work with. We also have two youth teams which is fantastic. Having a hard-
You’re only 28, do you still play as well as manage?
It’s hard to manage and play, but if my ‘keeper is away I’ll play in goal, or come on upfront for the last 5 minutes!
So although you’ve only played a handful of games, how do you see going for you to date?
It has been very frustrating for the players and me in not getting a good run of games in before the weather changes, but the first four games have been excellent. Our best start in five seasons. I have managed to put together a strong team this season with every player being versatile and having strength and pace throughout.
Why have you only played four games?
We started at the earliest date possible, but we have had 4 games called off, all away. Bodmin, Calstock, Lamerton and Torpoint. It’s very disappointing, as we’ll be on catch up!
Unbeaten so far, I know you've only played 4, but who's been your influential players so far. Any new signings?
I would have to say my most influential players probably would have to be the back bone of the team with James Prynn in goal, our captain at the back Ben Rothwell, Martin Davey in the middle and Chris Dingle up front. If we are missing one of them you really notice little things they bring to the game. With pace around them we are capable of beating anyone. I have managed
to add Glyn James (didn’t play much last year) and Bruce Camble (from Roche) to the team and they have fitted in nicely, but to have Miles Gardner and Matt Robins playing more consistently has been great news for me and the club.
Someone mentioned the name Chris Dingle to me?
I have known Chris Dingle for nearly 20 years playing with and against him, he is a great footballer and person. He loves playing, scoring and fighting for the ball and a pint from the Treasurer after scoring another hat-
Would promotion into the East Cornwall Premier League be an option?
Yes, I said at my first meeting I want and dream of going East Cornwall, or else what’s the point? I hope St Austell apply to go up because they have everything I want.
Would facilities have to be improved at all to take promotion?
No we have the best facilities in the Duchy League and probably East Cornwall. We have great changing rooms, bar, indoor football and gym. It’s our pitch though – we don’t own it, it cuts up, but we have spent £1500 plus to improve it. When it’s ready we will apply to go up. We are lucky for such a small village with no grants or big money coming in. We rely on local sponsors, support on a Saturday of about 30 to 50 people watching and favours really!
Duchy League, Premier Division after games played Oct 27th
John Raikes, Manager of Mevagissey
|
|
|
P |
W |
D |
L |
GD |
Pts |
|
1 |
AFC St Austell |
8 |
7 |
1 |
0 |
27 |
22 |
|
2 |
Saltash United |
7 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
17 |
16 |
|
3 |
St Columb Major |
7 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
5 |
14 |
|
4 |
Fowey United |
6 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
11 |
13 |
|
5 |
Mevagissey |
5 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
10 |
13 |
|
6 |
Probus * |
9 |
5 |
0 |
4 |
15 |
12 |
|
7 |
Lamerton |
8 |
3 |
1 |
4 |
- |
10 |
|
8 |
Torpoint Ath * |
7 |
4 |
0 |
3 |
5 |
9 |
|
9 |
St Cleer |
7 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
- |
8 |
|
10 |
St Newlyn East |
8 |
2 |
0 |
6 |
- |
6 |
|
11 |
St Mawgan |
8 |
1 |
0 |
7 |
- |
3 |
|
12 |
Bodmin Saints |
7 |
1 |
0 |
6 |
- |
3 |
|
13 |
Calstock * |
7 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
- |
- |