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Two league leaders met at Scotstoun, with Division Four’s Woodhill facing Division Three’s Lomond Thistle Colts in the Champions Cup. Woodhill took control from the opening minutes and went on to win 9–1.
Afterwards, manager Jed Connell spoke to Footy Focus about the confidence behind their approach, managing a squad of mates and the people helping him make difficult decisions.
Woodhill manager Jed Connell expected a tough test against Lomond Thistle Colts. What followed at Scotstoun was a confident performance from a young squad whose friendships extend beyond football.
“With them sitting top of the league above, we were expecting a tough test,” Jed said.
“However, we look to go into every game with confidence with the quality we have in the squad.”
Woodhill took the game to Lomond immediately, with their energy and pressing helping establish control. Most of the squad are 21 or younger, largely because the team grew from a group of mates.
“I think that’s been a really big advantage for us as it gives us the energy and legs to play the way we want, especially off the ball, pressing teams as much as possible.”
That close squad presents difficult selection decisions. Jed sometimes has to leave good players out of the matchday squad altogether, but praised their attitudes.
He also shares the responsibility. Injured player Kyle Maclachlan helps with coaching, while Jack Cruden and Scott Gardiner contribute to decisions about the squad and starting eleven.
Despite the organisation on show, Woodhill have no training sessions. Jed says their understanding has developed through playing together each week and a strong run of form.
“We don’t have any training, so it’s hard for me to implement too much tactically,” he explained.
“But to be honest, I think the way the players have been playing with so much freedom and confidence, it hasn’t been needed.”
Jed’s confidence in his players was reflected in how Woodhill approached this tie. They looked comfortable from the start, with the fitness, balance and quality to make life difficult for the leaders of the division above.
The numbers on the sidelines caught my attention too. Jed’s answers explain both the competition for places and the support he has around him.
Giving players freedom works best when they also accept responsibility. At Scotstoun, Woodhill combined confident football with a willingness to work for each other. Future Champions Cup opponents would be wise to judge them on that performance rather than their division.
We previously spoke to Jed after his September Manager of the Month award. Read more about Woodhill’s perfect start and the story behind the club.
