Westley Praises Waddock And Co

Last updated : 08 February 2008 By Stray Shots Team
I watched the league leaders beat Oxford United on Tuesday.

What really impressed me about the Shots was the style with which they played. Your team is a credit to you, Gary Waddock.

A share of that credit must go to Martin Kuhl. Both of course are central midfielders who played at the top level and made their living out of ball winning and retention. I played with Gary and Martin played for me.

There was a telling moment in the game that highlights why the Shots are where they are.

Anthony Straker, the left back, was under pressure on the half way line. It would have been easy just to knock the ball long, in behind the Oxford defence. But Waddo calmly instructed him to 'pass your way out'. He did. And moments later the Shots won a corner down their right as a succession of one touch passes led to Louie Soares whipping in a cross from the byline. Gary's choice was to value possession.

That is why they create so many chances.

They are a team with exceptional pace throughout the side. Straker, Charles, Soares and the two Grants are rapid.

The lad Hudson didn't play but he can shift some too. Their passing exposes oppositions to their pace and it is difficult to handle. They do not mess about passing for the sake of it.

They have purpose.

Off the field, the club is developing too. It has just opened a pub facility on its site and it is doing well. The sale of Jonny Dixon has brought some extra funds. I sincerely hope the crowds continue to grow to reflect the excellent proposition the club is offering: on and off field entertainment.