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Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
Having scored vital goals for the University 1st XI en route to a league and cup double last season, Dominic O'Shea is a prime example of the impact that a fresher can make in his first year at York. Now 1st XI captain, Dom talks to The Yorker about his experiences as a fresher last year, and about the role that freshers can play in UYAFC's drive for success this season.
As a fresher last year, how welcome did you feel in your first week?
"UYAFC were very welcoming. Luckily, having played at a few clubs I was confident I'd fit in and I knew what sort of jokes and pranks would be going on, so I managed to avoid those!"
Did you expect to have such a large role in the club in your first year?
"I didn't think I would because I was worried about there being a clique. But the club was very open and when I realized this I was confident in my ability and knew I could have an impact."
What were your personal high and low points of last season?
"My personal high point was scoring a hat-trick against Leeds when we were 2-0 down in the NUL Cup semi-final. I hadn't played well all game, but that's the lucky thing about being a striker: you can play shit all game but still change the result completely.
Low point would probably be Roses. We'd worked so hard in the build up to the game, and to lose narrowly hurt. I love playing in front of a lot of people because it's a chance to prove yourself and for all of us it was a chance to show people from the university that we were a good side. It's such a buzz but when you lose it makes that feeling in the pit of your stomach even worse."
How important do you think freshers are to your club?
"They're one of the most important factors because you get a lot of third years leaving gaps in each team and freshers are effectively their replacements. It's also nice to have new faces and characters in the changing rooms and on socials."
What's your club doing to get freshers involved?
"Obviously we'll be present at the Freshers Fair so we plan to give freshers an insight into what the club is about and they can come and ask us anything they want. Also, we're holding several trial sessions so there are plenty of opportunities for freshers, and other students, to get involved with the club and get a place in one of the four teams."
What are you hoping for from this year's freshers?
"Well the club is always hoping for good quality players to come in. There are a few positions I've been looking at and thinking, ‘There's a chance for a fresher there’. But there’s also the social side of things. Part of the reason they join the club is to enjoy their football, but the results on the social side aren't far behind the playing side!"
What would you say to any freshers hoping to make the team/squad?
"In trials, don't try to do too much: it only gets you noticed for the wrong reasons. Don't feel intimidated, just relax and play your natural game."
The university football trials take place on Thursday of Week 1 from 10.30am till 12pm and from 2.30pm till 4.30pm. Trial games take place at 2pm on Sunday.
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