YM go on defensive to pick up double award
AN IMPRESSIVE December has been capped by Horsham YMCA after boss John Suter was awarded manager of the month and keeper Dean Ruddy the recipient of the Golden Gloves goalkeeping honour.
Four consecutive clean sheets and four wins throughout the month ensured YM climbed as high as sixth in the Ryman Division 1 South league table.
And the performances of the defence, once labelled the worst in the division, have caught the eye of league chiefs who made their announcement on Tuesday.
Suter remarked: "It's a team award really. Manager of the month is not a good reflection. It is the team performance of the month, in my opinion it would be better if it was team of the month, that would be more reflective. I think everyone will be ever so pleased."
The form of Ruddy in the YM goal, such as an impressive display to keep Dover Athletic at bay in a 0-0 draw has been a great boost for Suter, as has the fact he has been able to field a consistent defensive line.
"Dean has been on good form but it's all about the defence in front of him as well," the manager said.
"They call it the Golden Gloves award and it does reflect how well the side has defended in front of him, and he has been excellent."
In a tremendous turnaround, the start of the month saw YM concede their 31st goal of the campaign, but that figure has yet to be added to.
"I think it's got something to do with Ellis Hooper returning to centre back and Phil Fitzgerald coming in at left back along with Nick Levett," Suter added.
"What is does is give us consistency.
"We have played the same back five the previous five games.
"We were the worst defence in the league having conceded 31 goals. We have only conceded one goal in December. It's something we could never have dreamed about, being effectively the best team in the league in December."
YM's progress this season has amazed all at the club, and Suter paid tribute to the hard work of players for adapting to the new level of football and the dedication of coaching staff.
He said: "It has exceeded all expectations and if someone had said we would have 31 points by New Year then I think we would all have thought that was a little bit ambitious, we had a 25 point target for Christmas and even then we said that would be a little too high, to have 31 points at this stage is the sort of thing you read about in Roy of the Rovers.
"We have adapted from being County League players to Ryman League players in four months, and the team spirit is first class.
"They play for minimum money, many have made a step up and have adapted to it, the players deserve all the credit they get.
"Tommy Sampson has been excellent.
"He has the experience of this level and that is invaluable."
Following the Christmas programme, YM sit sixth in the table, but Suter is wise enough to know how difficult it is to remain in such a lofty position.
"I'm realistic to know that our sixth place is a little bit false," he added.
"My ambition is to finish in the top half, and I would not have said that at the start of the season, but it is possible if we work hard enough."