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James Gilholm: Young, Unbeaten and Growing Together
West End United’s unbeaten September has earned James Gilholm the GDSFC Division Three Manager of the Month award.
Two wins and a draw during the month helped West End move to the top of Division Three, continuing an impressive response after defeat on the opening day of the season.
But perhaps the most striking part of their story is the age of the group doing it.
West End’s oldest player is just 22.
What clicked during September?
“Following a strong end to August, there’s been a real confidence in the squad going into games, regardless of the opposition.
“It just seems the players fully believe we can beat any team we play if they all give 100% on the pitch.”
Has anything changed tactically?
“We have been using a new formation so far this season, which allows us to have all our best players in their best positions.”
The change has accompanied a strong response from West End after beginning their campaign with defeat.
How did the players react to losing the opening game?
“After a loss in the opening game of the season, we bounced back sharply and haven’t tasted defeat since.”
For Gilholm, though, the performances aren’t simply about the ability within his squad.
What has stood out most about this group?
“It would be easy to just say that my players are excellent and they give all they can, but what I’ve really noticed so far this season is a real togetherness in the squad.
“All our players are around the same age and I think that gives us an edge over opponents because we will fight for each other no matter what.
“We genuinely are all friends outside of the club.”
Is friendship at the heart of West End United?
“West End United is built off a group of friends that wanted to start a football club.
“Since then we’ve added so many players and they just all slot right in.
“It really is a very cohesive unit with very little negativity.”
And your oldest player is only 22?
“Our oldest player is only 22, which you might think means we lack experience.
“But I think the fact that everyone is around the same age just adds to that cohesiveness within the squad.”
That makes West End one of the more interesting early-season stories in the GDSFC.
A group originally built from friends has continued to grow without losing the closeness that helped create the club.
There may not be much experience in terms of age, but an unbeaten September has provided early evidence of what this young group can produce together.
And for James Gilholm, it has also brought recognition as the GDSFC Division Three Manager of the Month.
