Season 2010 - 2011 DB Sports Under 18s

Manager : Dave Johnson

Under 18s A

About the manager

Name: Dave Johnson

Age: recently qualified to play in the over 35 league!

Occupation: Financial Services Sales Manager for UK's largest insurer Favourite Player: Jan Molby - showed that with skill and passing ability that you didn't need to be the fittest - although it helped that the rest of the team were also class!

Football background: Having previously played for Steels as a centre forward (believe it or not, I was very quick back in the day) I was converted to a centre half when I joined Handsworth Boys. My first game was against the now Chesterfield striker and ex Blades man Jack Lester. However, perhaps the most famous sportsman I played against was Naseem Khan during a 5 a side tournament. He backflipped at the kick off and whilst we all watched his team scored - Nas was then substituted! I took over the captaincy of the team that same season and progressed through the age groups before representing Handsworth at Adult level. I also represented a number of teams in the South Yorkshire Amateur League on Saturdays.

Unfortunately, a complicated back injury briefly stopped and then slowed down my football at which point I took and passed what was the FA Coaching License - later converted to UEFA License.

My last season in football during my mid twenties - the back injury got the better of me - was spent with the Hillsbrough Old Crown, where we won the League and finished runners up in the Cup.

I have since continued to play 5 a side and the odd game of 11 a side with work and am contemplating one last hurrah in the over 35 league.

Why Woodhouse? I was looking for a team for my eldest to represent.

He got into football late at u16 level and I knew that I wanted him to be with a Charter Standard Club, with good facilities and coaching. My son joined Woodhouse in 2009 and when the manager stepped aside at the end of that season I took over.

My footballing ethos: It has to be enjoyment - I am involved in football because I love it. I would much rather play or coach than watch either in a stadium or at home. I also like football to played the right way, in good spirit and a team.