Eric Castel

Unfortunately, no. Kinnear's contract was expiring in June anyway, and despite my efforts, I couldn't persuade him to renew.

Season 4 : Preseason As Eric Castel geared up for his fourth season at Bath City, winds of change swept through the team. Alongside General Manager Cody Cooke, the duo recognized the need to infuse fresh talent into the squad. The first order of business was the goalkeeping position, left vacant by the departure of the remarkable Brian Kinnear. In his stead, the team welcomed 21-year-old English goalkeeper Alfie McNally, a rising star with promise. Another key change unfolded on the left flank, as the seasoned 31-year-old Danny Greenslade bid farewell after four seasons. Stepping into his shoes was the dynamic 23-year-old attacking full-back, Ryan Jones, chosen not just for his on-field prowess but also for his leadership and teamwork. The attacking front saw the departure of 33-year-old pressing forward Scott Wilson, who sought a more prominent role. In response, Eric Castel placed his faith in the rising star Brennan Viney, a 16-year-old academy product with immense potential. The midfield, welcomed 21-year-old ball-winning midfielder Owen Lunt from Crewe. However, the departure that echoed through the stands was that of club stalwart Jack Batten. After 328 appearances and 20 goals in Bath City's black and white jersey, Batten's contract was not renewed. To honor his legacy, Eric orchestrated a testimonial, acknowledging the contributions of this great servant to the club. With the preseason friendlies producing less-than-ideal results — four losses and a single draw — concerns lingered as the opening day approached. The upcoming season promised a new chapter for Bath City, marked by a fresh roster and a blend of seasoned players and promising talents.

Season 3 Review

Season 3: March - April summary In the final two months of the season, as Bath City navigated the remaining fixtures, Eric Castel assumed the role of squad evaluator. Determining which players would continue into the next season and identifying positions that required new reinforcements were pivotal decisions. To aid in this crucial endeavor, Eric sought the assistance of a familiar and trusted figure — none other than Bath City's former striker, Cody Cooke, who agreed to join as the General Manager. Bringing in Cody was a strategic move by Eric to fortify his staff with individuals deeply acquainted with the team's ethos and Eric's managerial philosophy. Cody, having made 135 appearances and netted 57 league goals for Bath City, embodied the club's identity. Now, in his new role, he would contribute his wealth of experience and insights to assist Eric in crafting a squad poised for success. As the season drew to a close with Bath City securing a 16th-place finish, Eric and Cody had already shifted their focus to the offseason tasks at hand — negotiating contract renewals and strategically reinforcing the squad for the challenges that lay ahead in the upcoming campaign. The partnership between the manager and the newly appointed General Manager promised an exciting chapter in Bath City's ongoing journey.

Season 3: December - January - February Summary As the next three months unfolded, Bath City's journey through the season carried a familiar rhythm of mixed and mediocre results. By the end of February, the team found themselves in the relative safety of the 16th position, comfortably distant from the threat of relegation yet equally removed from the prospect of playoff contention. With the realization that the current season held no concrete targets to pursue, Eric Castel wisely turned his gaze toward the future. Recognizing the need for renewal and evolution, Eric began laying the groundwork for the next season. The remaining fixtures offered a valuable opportunity for young talents to gain more experience on the field, providing a glimpse into the potential foundation for Bath City's future endeavors. The strategic planning during this period was not just about navigating the present challenges but, more importantly, about setting the stage for a promising and ambitious campaign in the seasons to come.

Season 3: October - November Summary October brought a glimmer of hope for Bath City as they kicked off the month with three consecutive victories in the league. An additional triumph in the FA fourth qualifying round, securing a 1-0 win against Kingstorian, fueled optimism for Eric and the fans. However, this positive momentum was short-lived as a series of unfavorable results followed, stretching into the end of November. These included a disappointing 1-0 away loss at Gateshead in the FA first round. As November concluded, Bath City found themselves in 17th place, only three points above the relegation spots. Amidst the challenges, a significant milestone occurred - 26-year-old winger Alex Fletcher etched his name in the record books by scoring his 67th league goal, becoming Bath City's all-time leading goalscorer. Amidst the challenging run of results on the field, a remarkable unity prevailed within the Bath City squad. Despite facing adversity, every player stood firmly behind their manager, Eric Castel. Eric and his team, bound by mutual respect and a shared commitment to success, were determined to overcome the hurdles.

No need for apologies! I'm looking forward to following your Scottish adventure. Best of luck, and enjoy the process!

Season 3 : August - September summary Amidst a promising preseason that saw Bath City secure four wins and a draw in five friendlies, anticipation reached its peak as the opening day of the new season approached. As the curtain rose on the new season, Bath City faced an uphill battle, burdened by the lowest payroll budget in the division. The board's cautious expectation centered on a valiant struggle against relegation, cognizant of the financial constraints. Despite Eric's initial optimism, August unfolded as a disheartening chapter for Bath City. With just one victory in five games, the team's lackluster performance sparked rare dissent from the fans, questioning the manager's tactics. In the end of the opening month Bath City found themselves in 20th place, a mere spot above the dreaded relegation zone. September teased a glimmer of hope with two early wins, but the optimism quickly fizzled out. Bath City stumbled through the remaining three games without securing a victory. The month concluded with the team perched in 15th place, far removed from the soaring heights of the previous season. The echoes of success seemed distant, and the challenges of replicating last year's good season loomed large for Eric Castel and his squad.

I like this approach. Good luck in Season 3!

Season 3 Preview Part 2: Transfer Market During the transfer market window, Eric Castel, content with the core of his team and the promising young talents, tried to make some very few moves to enhance Bath City's power. His first target, left wing-back Lincoln McFayden, had caught Eric's eye during intense battles against rivals Yeovil. Impressed, Eric delved into scouting, and the report only affirmed McFayden's capabilities. With the knowledge that his contract at Swansea would conclude by season's end, Eric made an offer. However, the siren call of Leyton Orient, a club in a tier above, swayed McFayden away. Undeterred, Eric turned to a familiar face – Ewan Clark, who had graced Bath City with his talents during Eric's inaugural season. Seeing Clark as a seamless addition, Eric proposed a loan deal to Bristol City, the club currently hosting Clark. Alas, Bristol City opted to expose Clark to a different challenge, rejecting the loan. While Eric couldn't secure external reinforcements, he had managed to arrange loan spells for some of his budding talents to gain invaluable first-team experience. Cameron D. Jones joined Sutton, Lee Rose ventured to Kidlington, and Cameron W. Jones embarked on a journey with Harlow. As pundits cast a shadow of skepticism over Bath City's prospects, labeling them the underdogs of the division, Eric remained undaunted. His optimism stemmed from the cohesion within the squad, the loyalty of his players, and the untapped potential of the youth rising through the ranks. For Eric Castel, the third season was not a daunting challenge but an opportunity for his carefully crafted team to defy expectations and carve out their own narrative on the field.

Season 3 Preseason Part 1: Young Blood As Eric Castel started the preseason preparations for his third season at Bath City, he knew that the foundation of success lay in strategic squad building. Having secured a successful season, with most players opting to renew their contracts, Eric deemed significant changes unnecessary. His unwavering commitment to youth development took center stage as he carefully selected three promising players from the youth team for promotion. Among them was Temitope Abdullahi, a 15-year-old towering English Nigerian central defender whose potential hinted at a bright future. Alongside him, the spirited Irish midfielder, Sam Kelly, caught Eric's attention with his remarkable mental attributes and lively personality. Completing the trio was Kamali Watkins, a technically adept young English talent poised to make an impact. In the delicate balance of squad dynamics, Eric made the decision to bid farewell to 32-year-old striker Cody Cooke. While Cooke had been a stalwart presence, the emergence of hot prospect Callum Richards necessitated a shift in the first-team hierarchy. Eric, driven by a commitment to nurturing talent, aimed to provide Richards with more opportunities to showcase his skills on the main stage. These four young prospects, accompanied by the dynamic 17-year-old midfielder Clyde Francis, who had already proven his mettle with 33 starts in the previous season, formed the vibrant core and the future of Bath City in the years to come. Their emergence onto the scene symbolized Eric's commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.

Congratulations! Another great season.

Season 2 Review

Season 2 Finale The playoff semifinal paired Bath City against Bromley, a very hard task given Bromley's home advantage at Hayes Lane. Bath City, still riding the emotional high from the intense penalty victory against Aldershot, faced additional challenges as Scott Wilson received a two-match further suspension, leaving young Josh Ritchie once again in the spotlight. Being the underdog, Eric Castel strategized for a more cautious approach, aiming to withstand Bromley's dominance and capitalize on counterattacks. The game unfolded with Bromley controlling possession and securing a 26th-minute lead courtesy of Joel Cotterill's skidding drive. Bath City's fortunes took a darker turn when Callum Richards received a red card in the 57th minute for a bad tackle to Charlie Weston. However, despite being down to ten men, the team found hope once more as Josh Ritchie equalized with a close-range finish at the 74th minute, just a few seconds after entering the field as a substitute. Bath City defended valiantly, pushing for overtime, but their dreams were shattered when Olufela Olomola secured a late winner with an impressive header in the 85th minute. Despite the defeat, Eric Castel praised his players for their remarkable effort, emphasizing their pride in an exceptional season. Already looking ahead, Castel remained optimistic about Bath City's potential for future successes.

Wow, I'm eager to see how this narrative unfolds! Very nice!!

Playoff First Round vs Aldershot: The Game of the Century The stage was set for an intense battle as Bath City prepared to face Aldershot at the Recreation Ground. The memories of a recent 3-0 defeat at Twerton Park were fresh, and the absence of key players Luke Russe and Scott Wilson only heightened the challenge. Nevertheless, young attacker Josh Ritchie, instrumental in the previous year's playoff final, found himself back in the squad. The Recreation Ground was buzzing with the energy of 6,000 fans, creating an electric atmosphere. Eric Castel, seeking to ease the pressure, reminded his players that they had already achieved success for the season and had nothing to lose. The match kicked off, and both teams fought for dominance, resulting in a balanced game with chances for each side. Aldershot took the lead in the 39th minute with a close-range effort from Cameron Cresswell, but Bath City swiftly responded. Jordan Dyer, usually a central defender but deployed as a defensive midfielder in the absence of Russe, leveled the score with a stunning low drive just before halftime. The second half, however, unfolded as a nightmare for Bath City. In a span of three minutes, Aldershot's Joe Haigh netted two goals, seemingly securing a substantial advantage. Bath City's hope flickered, but the players had other plans. In a whirlwind two minutes, Cody Cooke and Kieran Parselle scored, bringing the score to a heart-stopping 3-3. The momentum shifted in Bath City's favor, and as Aldershot faced disappointment, Eric Castel urged his team forward. Bath City pressed, but in the 96th minute, against the run of the play, Aldershot's Jevon Mills with a header from a corner scored what appeared to be the winning goal. Bath City's dreams were shattered. But then a small miracle happened. With seconds remaining, and the home fans already celebrating the certain win, Josh Ritchie who had come in to replace Alex Fletcher, found the net in the 97th minute, sending the game into overtime. Overtime unfolded cautiously, with both teams drained physically and mentally. The drama reached its climax with penalties. The first three kicks saw both teams score, but Bath City's Scottish goalkeeper, Brian Kinnear, etched his name in history with two crucial saves in the last two penalties. This epic encounter, dubbed "the game of the century" by Bath City fans, propelled them to the next challenge against Bromley. The emotional rollercoaster had drained Eric and his team but could they make one last miracle and book their tickets for the Webley Final?

March April Summary: One last push As March and April unfolded, the battles on multiple fronts intensified in the league. Under the guidance of Eric Castel, Bath City navigated through highs and lows, ultimately securing a 6th-place finish and the chance for promotion through playoffs. Their first hurdle was Aldershot Town, a team that, just a few days ago, had handed Bath City a 3-0 defeat at Twerton Park. The question loomed: could Bath City exact revenge when it mattered the most, or would they face another crushing defeat? During this pivotal period, Eric Castel reached a significant milestone—100 games as a head coach. To mark the occasion he treated the team and their families to a celebratory dinner. As he observed the joyous faces of his players, laughing and joking during the gathering, Eric couldn't help but feel a deep sense of unity. He knew there was no other group he would prefer to lead into the crucial battles that lay ahead.

February Summary: We are family February arrived and Eric's gamble to not bring in many new players despite promotion was paying off. His unwavering loyalty to the existing players was not just a gesture but a strategic move, banking on the chemistry and camaraderie within the team. Bath City became more than just a football club. It transformed into a close-knit family. The players, divided into two social groups – the seasoned veterans and the promising youth blending together – fostered harmonious relationships both on and off the field. This sense of unity bore fruit during February, as Bath City enjoyed an almost flawless run with four wins and one draw in five games. The team's exceptional performance elevated them to the 5th position by the end of the month. Playoff football a realistic and tangible prospect despite Bath City having the second smallest payroll of the league .

Congrats on the promotion! Love the narrative with the intake. The team is poised to become a shining example of inclusivity and hope!

January Summary: New kids on the block In January Bath City found themselves achieving balanced results on the field, securing one victory, drawing three, and experiencing one defeat. The team's resilience was evident, but so was the challenge of consistently clinching the coveted playoff positions. Bath City ended the month in 8th place, positioned just outside the playoff zone. For Eric Castel, the situation presented a welcome sense of stability. The team seemed comfortably distanced from the relegation battle, and the prospect of playoffs lingered as a genuine possibility. Eric, however, remained pragmatic. He was aware that Bath City was not ready for a potential promotion to League Two. This fact of course did not mean that if he had the chance he would not take it. With this newfound calmness, Eric seized the opportunity to engage in discussions with Adam Stockwell, the Head of Youth Development. Together, they scrutinized the latest youth intake, and Eric's initial impressions were optimistic. He sensed the emergence of promising talents that could potentially bolster Bath City's ranks in the near future. The groundwork for sustained success, it seemed, was being laid both on the pitch and in the promising talent pool of the youth.

December Summary: Securing the future In December, the team navigated through the challenges of league fixtures, securing two wins, two draws, and facing a solitary defeat. In the midst of the league campaign, a heavily rotated squad encountered Southend in the FA Trophy 3rd round. The outcome saw Bath City succumb to Southend, marking the end of their journey in a competition that Eric Castel didn't rank high in his priorities. Despite the mixed bag of results, Bath City held firm in their quest for playoff contention, concluding the month by ascending one spot to the 7th position in the league standings. December, however, bore significant importance off the pitch. Eric Castel, with a keen eye on the future, initiated the crucial task of securing contract renewals for the core team players. Among those committing to Bath City's cause were key figures like 29-year-old attacking full-back Joe Raynes, 26-year-old midfielder Tom Smith, versatile 25-year-old inside forward Alex Fletcher, and the resolute 28-year-old central defender and team captain, Jack Batten. The signings symbolized a commitment to continuity and stability, laying the foundation for the team's journey ahead.

November Summary: Financial Boost November proved to be a month of highs and lows for Bath City. Their FA Cup journey took them to the imposing Ashton Gate, where they faced the League One outfit Bristol City. In front of a crowd of 9300 spectators, Bath City attempted to put up a fight against their higher-tier opponents. However, the gulf in class was evident, and Bristol City emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline. The team navigated through the remainder of November with a mixture of results. Two wins, a draw, and two defeats in five games and a total eight points. As the month drew to a close, Bath City found themselves in the 8th position, a single spot away from playoff positions. The sizable crowd at Ashton Gate during the Cup clash against Bristol City, despite ending in defeat, injected a much-needed financial boost into the club's coffers. With the newfound resources, Eric Castel could now shift his focus to securing the future of the core team through contract renewals in the upcoming month.

October Summary: Another recovery October commenced with a stutter, marked by a goalless draw against Gateshead and a resounding 4-1 defeat at the hands of Eastleigh, threatening to derail the positive momentum gained in September. However, once again, Bath City rallied. The team's response was emphatic, notching up victories against Alfreton and Oldham, coupled with a commendable draw against Bromley in between. This restorative run of form culminated in a well-balanced record for October—two wins, two draws, and a single defeat. The eight points accrued during the month propelled Bath City to climb one more position in the league standings, in 7th-place and the playoffs spots. The FA Cup added an extra layer of excitement to Bath City and Eric Castel as a convincing 2-0 win over Hastings sealed their passage to the FA Cup first round, where they would face a daunting challenge against League One giants Bristol City at the iconic Ashton Gate. The clash promised not only a footballing spectacle but also the valuable income from the splitting of the gate receipts.

September Summary: Recovery and promise September unfolded as a tale of recovery for Bath City, overcoming a rocky start to find their rhythm as the month was progressing. A home defeat against struggling Scunthorpe served as a catalyst for change, triggering a shift in fortunes. Bath City rallied, securing three wins and a draw, with the pinnacle being a sensational 5-1 triumph over league leaders, Haterpool. Eric Castel's commitment to nurturing young talent remained a focal point of the team's strategy, and amidst the emerging stars, one player, in particular, stole the spotlight. Callum Richards, at a tender age of 16, not only broke records but continued to dazzle with stellar performances, contributing two goals and three assists in the initial 11 games. The youngster's brilliance didn't go unnoticed, attracting attention from Carlisle, who expressed interest in securing his services for their U-18 team. Eric Castel, convinced Callum that his brightest future lay with Bath City, where he could continue to thrive with regular first-team football. However, the manager acknowledged the difficult challenge of retaining such a promising talent if his standout performances persisted. As September drew to a close, Bath City found themselves ascending in the league standings in the 8th position and holding a comfortable eight-point buffer from the relegation zone. The team stood just one position shy of the playoff spots.

Season 2 : August Summary August proved to be a testing month for Bath City, marked by a mixed bag of results that left both frustration and encouragement in its wake. The squad encountered challenges, notably in the form of penalties conceded in four consecutive games. Eric Castel, feeling the strain of defensive lapses, worked to address the team's vulnerabilities. The frustration aside, Eric remained committed to his philosophy of nurturing young talent. Throughout the month, he continued to provide valuable playing time to the youth players, recognizing the importance of their development and the fresh perspective they brought to the team. The end of August saw Bath City perched at the 18th position, four points clear from the relegation zone.