WARE | KEEPING IT CLEAN

Highs and lows for popular, award-winning goalkeeper

With 11 clean sheets over the course of the season, Ware goalkeeper, Fred Burbidge, achieved the joint most shut-outs in the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central, alongside Waltham Abbey custodian, Bradley Robinson.

But it was a season of mixed emotions for the 24 year-old, who has established himself as a regular between the posts over the past two seasons following his arrival from Hendon.

“Looking back over the season, it’s been one where there have been some highs but also some real lows,” he admitted to us. “It started really well and then I took a knock on my knee which kept me out for several weeks and was really frustrating as I was in good form at the time.

“Then came the news that my captain and good friend, Louis Rose, was diagnosed with cancer and that hit all of us hard because he is such a popular and well-respected figure within the group.

“Something like that does put things into perspective; all of a sudden, the fact that I had to miss a few games because of injury pales into insignificance and it made what was already a tight, close-knit group even tighter.

“We had chances to go top of the table as the season went on, which we failed to take advantage of, but we did manage to secure our place in the play-offs amidst plenty of competition and there was also the positive news about Louis’ health towards the end of the season, which was a real boost to us all.

“It was nice from a personal point of view to get 11 clean sheets, but the main target this season was promotion and unfortunately, we fell just short, but there are plenty of things to build on for next season, that’s for sure.

“There wasn’t a team that ran away with it this season; it was very competitive and close, the fact that the title went right down to the last day says it all. I feel that it’s going to be similar next season too.”

The season ended with Burbidge claiming three awards, the Supporters' Player of the Season, Manager's Player of the Season and Chairman's Player of the Season.

"I was delighted to pick up the awards," he added. "This is such a special club that is very close to my heart and to get this recognition from people who I respect so much means a lot, but I couldn't have done it without my team-mates."

IMAGE: Ware FC

Ware Web Site