Alex Keay's end of season thoughts

This season has been a rollercoaster of emotions for the Preston Grasshoppers head coach Alex Keay, with the fantastic start for the season, to the poor run of six defeats in the last two months of the season. This ecstasy of emotions was also prevalent in their fantastic Lancashire Cup run which saw them march all the way to the final at Lightfoot Green, only to lose 37-17 in the Final to local rivals Fylde.

Despite the rails coming off the Grasshoppers season in the final few months, Alex remains very pleased with their season and the season progress and says, “I think their has been a lot more good things than bad this season. I would have liked to have finished higher, especially with our form before Christmas, but realistically it is about right.”

Looking towards next season Keay is immensely focused with only one objective in mind, promotion. “Promotion has to be the target, their can be nothing else. If you don’t think you can achieve promotion theirs no point in taking part. But to be honest it all comes down to the boys and how much they put in and they summer. We also have to start the first couple of games next season in the same fashion as we did this season.”

The Grasshoppers squad this season has been decimated with injuries and Keay has received some criticism for the lack of depth in his squad. Keay sees this an issue that needs dealing with in the summer, “We want new experienced, quality players to join us in the summer. But we want players who can integrate with an already excellent robust squad which is already set up here, which now has one more years experience. We also want someone whose that little bit special that can push us towards our ultimate goal, promotion.”

Finishing eighth this season would leave many managers disappointed with their player’s performances but Keay is full of praise for his squad, especially his young fringe players. “There have been a number of players who have impressed me this season. But special praise has to go to the younger players such as Mark Rigby and Chris Stone who have stepped up to the mark this season when required. But to be honest Darren Wilson has been phenomenal this season. He gives 100% in every game and has been a real leader on the pitch.”

Despite a poor finish to this season Keay is full of confidence for next season. With a pre-season plan already arranged, his transfer targets identified and a good young squad ready to prove themselves there is no reason why he can’t fulfil his seasons objective and take the Grasshoppers to the National Division Two.”

Do you agree with Keay's thoughts?
Leave your opinions below.