Last weekend's end-of-season party at On Tap Taipei saw the Shane boys officially and ceremoniously close out the 2017 OTPL football season.
After securing 7th in the league on the last day of fixtures, the boys were in great spirits as drinks were had, a Christmas spread was devoured, and various highs and lows from the season were happily recalled.
After dinner, Player-Manager Sam Thompson shared his thoughts on the season with the players, WAGs, and everyone else in attendance. He was understandably chuffed with the team's effort, performances, attitude, and results throughout 2017.
The gaffer pointed specifically to the come-from-behind victory over 2016 league champions Red Lions, the absolute dismantling of the Eagles, and the convincing win over then top 5 team Triangle as examples of the team's improved grit and resolve.
To further emphasize the team's massive improvements this year compared to the 2016 season, let's take a look at the numbers:
3 spots climbed in the table
16 more points won
24 more goals scored
28 fewer goals conceded (!)
3 more games won
8 fewer games lost (!)
4 more unique goal scorers
The numbers speak for themselves – the 2017 OTPL season was a resounding success for the most storied football club in Taipei.
In addition to discussing the team's successes and triumphs, Sam also highlighted some of the individual successes of the season by revealing the winners of the annual end-of-season awards. Competition was fierce in every category, but the winners were as follows:
Golden Boot: Zach Paruch
Most Improved: Pete Williams
Rising Star: Jack Snart
Player of the Season: Zach Paruch
Dave Roberts Award (DRA): Jayke Langley
The club will be looking to those players – along with every other player who turned up week in and week out on Sundays – to kick on next season and continue our climb up the table.
With the 2017 OTPL season now in the bag, the boys can enjoy a well-deserved break while planning for the 2018 season is underway. Unfortunately though, the break may not be as long as anticipated, as talk of a pre-Chinese New Year start to the season is being touted by the league chairmen. Regardless, the Mighty Shane have a lot to look forward to in 2018:
new players
new kits
weekly training sessions
the club's 20 year anniversary
adequate summer break
Finally, before we close out the season wrap up, the club would like to say thanks once more to our generous sponsors, On Tap Taipei and Shane English Schools. Without their continued support, we'd be unable to enjoy the regular football we do, and the club would likely cease to exist altogether. We are enormously appreciative of their contributions, and will continue to return in kind the loyalty, generosity, and cooperation that they've never wavered in showing us.
Up the Shane!