CROYDON FOOTBALL CLUB
Founded: 1906 Joined the EFL: 1962
Season 2015 Seniors: 15 wins, 3 losses (2nd) Reserves: 16 wins, 2 losses – Runners Up Under 19’s: 13 wins, 3 losses (2nd)
TAKING THE NEXT STEP
When Croydon look back on Season 2015 they will see missed opportunities, they also have the chance to look ahead to a 2016 season where they are likely ranked amongst the top bracket in Division 2 once again.
The Blues have performed excellently in their last two home and away campaigns, however the last three finals they have played have yielded less than pleasing results for the Croydon faithful.
Croydon only managed 74 points over the entire finals series (1.4.10 vs. Doncaster/8.16.64 vs. Doncaster East) in 2015, couple that with their large defeat at the hands of North Ringwood in the 2014 Grand Final and stage fright may seem to be the only explanation.
Looking at line-ups for the coming season and performances in 2015, Croydon are heading the pack with a resilient and hungry Doncaster East.
Behind them a host of sides who would all consider themselves a shot at the title over the next 3 years (Waverley Blues, Bayswater, Mooroolbark etc.). Based on that logic alone the Blues chance of jumping back into Division 1 is 2016. With the addition of some key recruits will be looking to ensure they can make the most of a season where they are the hunted.
There is potential for the Blues to thrive and compete at the top of Division 1 as they did only seasons ago, however it is a long road, that only gets longer as the seasons roll on and the sides around them begin to improve.
From the outside looking in the Blues have somewhat stagnated.
Yes, they have made the last two finals series in the Division, however this is to be almost expected by the Croydon faithful given the talent on their list. Croydon’s record over the past two seasons indicates a potential amongst their playing group.
A heavy reliance on Brendan Weinert became the Blues Achilles heel in 2014, and to some extent also in 2015, if the Blues are going to consistently kick and winning score, and on the big stage they will need to find more goals from the midfield to not only compliment Weinert but more importantly still kick a winning score when he is shut out of a game.
The Blues kick off their season with a home fixture against Bayswater followed by a huge game at Walker Park as they take on Mitcham in Round 2.