2009/10: A season of great escapes
IN years to come, every Rooks fan old enough to remember will look back on the season 2009/10 and recall a time when their club pulled off not just one but two great escapes: one on the pitch on a sunny afternoon in late spring...and the other hours from a potentially catastrophic High Court appearance in the depths of mid-winter.
For managerial pairing Steve Ibbitson and Jason Hopkinson to steer the Rooks from what seemed certain relegation to last-gasp survival – thanks to an end of season that saw 13 points and four wins (two of which were the only away victories of the season) garnered from their last six matches – is in itself a nothing short of minor sporting miracle.
But for there still to be a club at all, fighting for its Blue Square South future on the last day of the season – having survived a winding up petition in January – is perhaps the things fans will remember most about this unforgettable campaign when the dust has finally settled.
First team manager Ibbitson was already a highly respected and well-liked individual in and around the club even before he took over the reigns from the ill-fated Kevin Keehan. That was, of course, in no small part due to the wonder that was the superb Rooks U18s squad which he and Hopkinson had produced.
That he took on the role of first team manager without fanfare – and without receiving a salary from the severely cash-strapped club – put his stock even higher amongst the Rooks fans.
Then there was his tireless work he did to help bring in funds to pay off the six-figure debt to HMRC that so nearly brought the club to the brink of extinction – although the Rooks boss would no doubt point out he was merely one of a number of people who worked to that end.
But his achievement in keeping the Dripping Pan outfit at Conference level – when even just a month ago all seemed lost – has now clearly conferred Ibbo a hero's status in the town. Actually, make that a Legend's status. Or even a Sainthood.
At least, that is if many of the posters on the club's unofficial forum are to believed. Here are just a few of the comments:
From Nico Rjinders: "Not only is Ibbo a legend for The Great Escape and his sheer hard work and endeavour in his role in saving the club, but he has proved that he has the managerial nous and judgement to manage the side."
And says Simon: "Ibbo should be given the freedom of Lewes for what he has done for the club this season.
PJ: "I hope he stays in the manager's job. He is now officially a Legend!"
From hanburywatcher: "Ibbo, for what you have done for the Rooks you are a legend (in your own lunch hour). Please stay in the job next season.
And from Spur: "Ibbo – you're a saint!"
Of course, Ibbitson would no doubt be embarrassed by such plaudits, particularly as they hint at a suggestion that all the acclaim should go purely to him (and indeed many of the posters on the forum made a point of congratulating Hopkinson and other backroom staff, plus, of course, the players).
As club programme editor and match photographer James Boyes points out: "Ibbo is quite keen to ensure Jason and also coach Simon Gough get the credit they deserve.
"All three have worked without pay and have probably paid out for kit, etc., that other clubs would have supplied.
"Jason and Simon have played a major role in helping Ibbo with the football and training.
"I think Ibbo would say that he couldn't have done it without them and I guess that would be true.
They've all helped to create a great team spirit which was essential during this difficult season.
"It's the club's greatest achievement in my opinion – survival on and off the pitch – when neither looked likely a few months ago."
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Weather for Lewes
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 0 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -5 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
