As the 02/03 season drew to a close rumour was rife that the C team would not continue into the new year, successive defeats had left a dent in the teams dreams and the ridicule of others was slowly taking its toll.  Then an opportunity came along that would mean the destiny of the C team would be determined once and for all, would they acheive greatness or disband and simmer into non existence?  This question could only be answered in one way: The Samba Sixes 6s Sixes. 

 

The importance of this event was undeniable- the boys that would take the fate of the team into their hands (or boots) at the tournament had been finalised- between the sticks was Muscle man James Pirie, infront of him the formidable pairing of Stuart Wiggin and James Berry, controlling the midfield would be Rory Allen and Phillip Berry and the lone striker was Ben Wood.  The team took a big risk in taking only 6 men to the tornament but due uncontrollable circumstances (soz workin) this was the only option before them. 

 

When the fatefull day arrived clear mental and physical preparation was essential.  Ben, Pirie and Rorz took major time out of their hectic ILC sessions to ensure that everything was in order.  Trips were made to Peacocks and JJB to collect the specially commissioned strips and GK gloves that would be used for the tornament.  Time was taken to add the finishing touches to the strips, the unbeatable partnership of balck marker and gold pen rounded of the already stunning kit. 

 

But then something happen that the C didnt expect...

 

Whether the pressure or the sheer scale of the tournament was becoming to much for the players is unknown but suddenly tempers began to flair.  Wiggin refused to adorn the new kit insisting that he wear his brazil shirt insead despite being made captain of the team- with the very fetching captains stripe down the left hand side.  A full scale brawl almost broke out between the C team and Dan Hemmings on his accusation that our goalkeeping gloves appeared "homosexual".  Were it not for the interference of others Pirie would have certainly shown Dan that he was no homosexual.  Following this the C teams kit was further ridiculed with the impressive sarcasm of the monk suggesting "the C looks like an O!", the team then preceeded to verbally abuse the monk and dan hemmings with such statements as 'Thats very noble of you' and 'DIEGO' respectively.

 

With tempers flared the stage was set for one of the most significant events of C team history.  Let the games begin...

 

After a couple of disappointing defeats in the opening games of the tournament the C team legacy looked like it was coming to a sad end especially as the next game involved the undisputed champions of samba sixes 6s sixes: 'Samba' undefeated champions for the past three years without conceeding a single goal in open play.  However the gods had not spelled the end for the C team just yet, in fact they had a very different idea in mind...

If you are a long time fan of the C team you will of course know what happens next but lets just sum it up once more for those of who werent listening.  Having gone 5 goals down in the game the C team wouldnt give up hope, desperate to get something against 'Fil' and Co. and the fact that long term curricular coach for the C team, Preece, was in goal only made their desire stronger.  In a massive change of heart Wiggin even chose to wear his official C team strip for the game- the team were back together, now anything was possible.  An eager push forward from the C resulted in a throw deep into Samba territory, the now legendary 'disguised throw-in' from wiggin put the opposing defence into disarray and a quick ball flashed across the face of goal by Phil was sweetly touched on to the back post by Jim where Rorz was waiting unmarked, and while Preece dived to his right in an eager attempt at a save Rorz calmly side-footed the ball into the roof of the net to score the first ever goal for the C team in all competitions.  This unprecedented event was exactly what the players and fans had been waiting for, while the C celebrated Samba continued to score another goal but the result didnt matter anymore- the C had scored, things werent going to end at the Sambas they were only just beginning. 

 

Just to cement the fact that the C were here to stay the team turned on the style in their final game of the afternoon with Ben Wood scoring an awesome goal which would have won the game were it not for two 'dark' decisions from the referee.  Despite not actually winning any of their games in the tournament the team had won something much more important, the belief in themselves and the respect of those around them.  Roll on 6.2...

 

During the preseason of  03/04 excitment was running high with the memory of what had happened in the Sambas but the players realised that the memory of goal scoring and moral victories were not enough, it had to be done again, and on the ultimate stage: 11-a-side. 

 

The first step in acheiving these dreams was to finally find a manager that could take us to the places we wanted to go, who was as committed to seeing the team do well as we were and who could finally find a victory for C.  After much deliberation it was mutually agreed between all parties that the C team would split from all of their 02/03 season managerial ties and look for a fresh face- but who?

 

Following the completion of the TTS swimming pool the previous year the C team had had the opportunity on sunny Wednesday afternoons to enjoy warm-up matches on the Hard Play Arena before cooling down in the fantastic facilities available including swimming, watersports and 4 in a cubical showering (remember that?!).  During this period the C team had enjoyed a successful working relationship with a certain Mr Plant: Pool Manager, who had shared such moments as Broome's 'beached seal' re-enactment  a la designer trunks and Ben's 'broken nose?' incident. 

 

The search for a new manager had so far been unsuccessful, timetable clashes and other uncontrollable factors had ruled out bookies favourite for the position Mr Furlong as well as a long list of other possibilities. 

Who first suggested the idea or who instigated the intial approach by either party is uncertain and is probably a mystery that will never be solved but nonetheless the outcome remains the same.  The C team finally unveiled their new manager to the world, and who else but Mr Plant: C+pool manager. 

 

The rest, as they say, is history (or should that be legend?).  Under Mr Plant the C team went on to a number of unforgettable victories that will live on in our hearts forever. 

His coaching skills were unrivalled, as an ex-county 100m champion, the focus in all 2 of our training sessions was cardio-vascular fitness as well as an improvement in defensive headers, improvements which, proved essential in the games to follow.

While physical training was very important to 'Planty' he remained an advocat of the psychological game by insisting that we didnt give the opponents any verbal abuse (which we were very good at- he's well fit!) during a game, while we took no notice of this suggestion it was nice of him to try. 

 

It is to Planty also that credit must go for the formation of the C team league.  Although the C team constantly harrassed Kenny Swain over the possibility of a C team league it seemed unlikely that our efforts were going to make any ground with the European Legend.  However Planty used all his powers of persuasion to get the league set up and the team showed their thanks with a number of victories before the league ended suddenly following the 3rd and, sadly, final victory over New College. 

 

Over the course of the season the C's relationship with Planty evolved from being simply professional to one of friendship.  Who could forget his light hearted abuse of underage girls?- sausage up the M25, or his expletative reaction to Cotter's missed effort from 1 yrd out and the proceeding rolling around on the floor?

 

Sadly, as the season ended so did the C team's fixture list and Mr Plant was left with just the swimming pool to manage which he found did not find his comments about the circumference of his wife as funny as the C team did.  At this point Planty took the decision to leave Thomas Telford School for another somewhere in the Telford/Wrekin area, while the official line was a better pay cheque it is widely rumoured that Planty felt he would not be able to focus on his job at TTS without a few lads that would forever hold part of his heart.  This was reflected when Planty continued to return to the school in the last few months of the year under the pretence of collecting pay slips but in reality to catch a glimpse of the team that he'd helped to mould and led to their first every victory.

 

In memory of the most successful C team manager ever Pooly was lucky enough to get hold of a priceless souvenir- the name badge that adorned the chest of the great man.  This is pictured below so that you too can understand the man behind the myth, take note ladies, this boy is  5* C grade quality.