Firstly I would like to thank Billy for offering me the role.

I have always worked with good goalkeeper coaches and learnt a lot from all of them. Billy asked me to do some coaching last year, however I was committed to staying with the reserves and did not want to let anyone down and see the season out. We ended the season on a high and now there is a position for a keeper to play at some great grounds next year and at a very good level.

Billy and I had a chat at the end of the season and I recently made the decision to go into coaching after speaking to family and close friends. It's something I have always wanted to do. Some might question why I am doing it at a young age and I hear people say you should play as long as you can. That I agree with and will still be playing for our Sunday side. I also have good contacts with decent keepers who I am sure will offer advice on certain things.

It was a shame to hear about Danny's injury and I really do wish him a speedy recovery. Danny is a great keeper and someone that I really enjoyed working with last year. I leant a lot from Danny and we were always open with each other on each other's performance. Danny and I are still in contact, and myself and Matt will keep close tabs on his recovery to full fitness. Matt also came into help out last year and I think Danny would agree that Matt has done a great job and we wish him well for his operation.

As Danny won't be with us for at least the first part of the season we need to find a solid keeper to fill his boots as I feel it's a vital position. Obviously our main aim is to provide the best keepers for the first team, however we want to encourage competition for places and bring decent keepers through if we can. We would welcome keepers to come to pre season training and work with us.

I enjoy being at Holmesdale, it's like a second home to me and Amy. I have been here for over 10 years coming through the youth set up and into the 1st team at 17 and have made some great friends along the way.

I want Holmesdale to have a great season next year and we will do our bit to ensure that happens. We all want the same thing, and that is success!!

Email: goalkeepers@holmesdalefc.co.uk

Ross Mitchell - 02/06/2009