Holt's belief in youth pays off (From Bournemouth Echo)

Holt's belief in youth pays off

5:16pm Monday 18th May 2009 in

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HOLT United boss Wayne Jerome believes youthful exuberance has kept his side going right until the end of the season.

The Bulls triumphed 3-0 at home to Dorset Premier League rivals Westland Sports in their final home game on Saturday.

Simon Edwards put them ahead after five minutes, before a Mark Perkins own goal doubled the advantage.

Young gun Rob Brackley netted in the dying minutes to complete an impressive afternoon for Holt.

And while many teams have eased off the throttle in the closing weeks of the season, Jerome has been delighted to see his side get stronger.

He said: “The advantage we had was that we played four of five under-18s and a couple of the reserves. These lads probably wouldn’t have got a look in at the beginning of the season.

“But now they’ve had a chance, they’re trying to prove themselves which has helped us. While a lot of teams are fading, these boys are trying their hearts out.”

Jerome admits the club suffered during the season with some of their senior players failing to show the commitment required.

But the Bulls manager now believes he has the right blend of youth and experience at his disposal.

He added: “These older guys have been good players but they haven’t got the enthusiasm of the younger lads.

“They will travel all over the country for me, whereas those who have been there and done it can’t be bothered to go to Wincanton on a Saturday for me.

“That’s what it comes down to and they’re not really club players.”

“Guys like Rob Brackley and Mike Mead may have been fringe players but fortunately, they have been given their chance.

“They’ve come on in leaps and bounds and it bodes well for next season that they’ve had a whole campaign with me this year.”

Holt still have the chance to snatch third spot in the league, should they claim victory in their last game at Chickerell United on Saturday.

Given the internal disputes, which nearly saw Jerome quit in March, the boss would be more than happy with this.

Jerome, whose side are currently fifth in the table, said: “We’ve got a chance for third and Chickerell could finish as runners-up.

“To tell the truth, I’m over the moon with where we are now, though.

“Given all the problems we had, to come as strong as we have is a very decent effort.

“I never expected to set the world alight because it was about getting to know the players.

“But without that sticky patch in the middle, I think we would have been right up there.”

In the day’s other game, Wincanton Town walloped Bridport 7-2.