Over and out for L’Equipe
FOOTBALL Mark Singer admits the decision to withdraw L’Equipe from the MGBSFL was made “with a heavy heart”.
Languishing at the foot of Division One — having lost seven out of eight matches — club chairman Singer confirmed that L’Equipe were unable to continue because of a shortage of players. They informed the league of their decision a day after they forfeited their scheduled match against Oakwood B.
In a statement, Singer insisted the decision to fold “was made with regret, halfway through its 11th season”.
Managed by Nick Stern, L’Equipe were crowned Division Two champions in May but they have struggled to field a team on several occasions this season.
“It has become increasingly difficult week on week to field a team, due to a combination of factors, including injuries and general life commitments from many in what is now an ageing squad,” said Singer. “It is a sad day for the club but we will all look back on some superb memories, through the good times and the bad.
From a team of whippersnappers fresh out of university in 2006 to a team of balding, fattened, knee-support-wearing fathers, we’ve really come a long way. Of course, winning our first (and only) piece of silverware last season — the Division Two league title — will always be remembered.
“L’Equipe gives great thanks to everyone who has been involved in the club, particularly all of our six managers and those that have kept the club ticking behind the scenes.
“The club also thanks the MGBSFL committee for thanklessly keeping the league going. We really do hope that the league goes from strength to strength.”
L’Equipe are the second MGBSFL team to fold this season, following the demise of Boca Jewniors.
Manager Nick Stern said he was “proud to have managed such a brilliant club”. He went on to say: “We experienced the ultimate high of winning the league last season but this club was about so much more than trophies.
“Every one of the 10 years was filled with the ultimate joy of playing football with your mates. And without the dedication of Mark Singer, Jules Bohm, Josh Lewis and David Prager, none of this would have been possible.”
Stern described the decision to fold as “heart-wrenching, especially after the success of last year”.
He commented: “The simple truth is that when you get to over-30 you have new priorities and getting a team together each week was an almost impossible task.
“However, there are a core group that would love to continue playing, so if any club in any division are interested in six or seven committed players then please let me know directly.”
We will look back with some superb memories’