TEAM OF THE SEASON | DIVISION ONE SOUTH REACTION

We hear from James Taylor and Sam Jackson

As the debate over the Team of the Season selections rumbles on, we speak to some of the players who have made it into the Pitching In Southern League Division One South team.

Taking one of the full-back berths is James Taylor, who came in having recovered from serious injury to help Yate Town enjoy a successful season half of the season which almost saw them make the play-offs.

“To get into the Team of the Season means the absolute world to me,” Taylor told us. “I want to thank everyone who voted for me and to see so many people vote for me is incredible and makes me feel honoured.

“It’s a very proud moment for myself and my family as this time last year I had just finished having double knee surgery and was told I may never play football again. So, to be in the Team of the Season a year on, is something I never would have expected but I still strived for regardless of what I had been told.

“Since joining Yate at the turn of this year, my love for the game has returned. I have thoroughly enjoyed being out there and playing with a smile on my face.

“I set myself individual targets, which I have made good steps towards throughout the season and hopefully next season I can improve upon them.

“The season for Yate was full of ups and downs, but since January everyone has showed real togetherness, determination and a hunger to achieve more and this was reflected in our results.

“It was an exciting League to be part of as the teams were swapping position right up until the final few games and that makes for great entertainment.

“Hopefully next season I can better my goal contributions as well as playing my part in as many clean sheets as possible. There is a real feeling that Yate Town can continue to move in the right direction if everyone’s vision at the club is fully aligned.”

Filling in the other full-back position is Sam Jackson, whose season ended with a Championship medal for Wimborne Town as he played every minute of their title-winning campaign.

“It’s a good feeling to be recognised by people involved in this level of football,” he told us. “The target for this season was to win the League and that’s exactly what we did!

“There’s a lot of quality in our squad and we showed enough consistency to get the job done. On a personal note, I probably had the best season of my career so far; the target is always to stay fit and play as many games as possible, which was a success as I didn’t miss a minute of League football.

“It’s a strong League and it’s safe to say that there aren’t many easy games, if any. The travelling takes it out of you and to go away from home and win is crucial to build a successful season.

“The aims as we go into the level above is to be competitive in every game we go in to. I honestly think we can be positive and there’s no reason why we can’t be successful when you’ve got such a tight-knit group.

“Personally, I want to be able to contribute as much as possible, so more assists and a few goals would be nice!”

With almost 26,000 votes cast, we thank everyone who took part. Here is a reminder of the Pitching In Southern League Division One South Team of the Season 2023/24.

DIVISION ONE SOUTH | Kyle Phillips (Frome Town), James Taylor (Yate Town), Sam Jackson (Wimborne Town), Sam Teale (Frome Town), Billy Walker (Wimborne Town), Joe Guest (Yate Town), Hayden Turner (Mousehole), Owen Brain (Bristol Manor Farm), Nick McCootie (Yate Town), James Ollis (Frome Town), Kane Simpson (Frome Town).

Subs: Ross Flitney (Wimborne Town), Josh Bennett (Cribbs), Oakley Hanger (Wimborne Town), Jayden Nielsen (Bristol Manor Farm), Harry Lucas (Bristol Manor Farm), Jez Bedford (Wimborne Town), Levi Steele (Evesham United).