As the CSL's deadline for renewing players has come and gone, FC Whitehorse made official today the news that none of the 16 remaining players who joined the club on amateur contracts will be returning of next season. "It is a difficult decision, but we feel that it was the best one for us going forward" said Oros Bala in a recent post-practice media availability. "It's always tough for a manager to have to let a player walk, but we intend to finish out the season strong and see what happens in the offseason. Every one of them put in a good effort in training and in matches throughout the season, and I hope that they are able to find success in each of their careers."
After reaching out for interviews with several of these players, we got a few responses with a variety of different emotions attached.
Lilian Dunivant was disappointed after starting the majority of his club's league matches, to find out that he would not be returning. "It really does sting" said the 27 year old Dunivant. "I felt like I had gone out match after match giving it my all, putting in a showing that was worthy of sticking around. It's a tough pill to swallow. Now all I can do is go out there for the rest of the season and prove that I have earned a spot, here or somewhere else."
31 year old super sub midfielder Kemal Perrin was simply happy to have been given the opportunity. "I spent the whole of my adult life pushing for this" said Perrin. "Just the chance to get a taste of top-tier action for myself is a dream come true. I always held out hope that I could prove that I belong on this pitch, and now I can say that I dd it. Whatever comes in future, I'm grateful for the chance."
Striker Yann Marshall spoke about one particular nagging frustration from his experience. "When I came into this season, I knew that getting to stay at this club long term was going to be an uphill battle" said the 25 year old Marshall. "So I set out a few goals for what I wanted to accomplish while I was given the chance. And the hardest thing is the notion that I have yet to accomplish one. I need a goal in the CSL. I want to be able to say that I scored a goal in this league. And now, with the season winding down, I know that my chances of achieving that goal are getting more and more difficult. So all I can do now is push and see what happens."
At 24 years old, one might expect that goalkeeper Christian Bourbeau would have the confidence of someone who was certain to return to the CSL, even next season. But he had perhaps the most measured response that we heard. "If you let these things get to you personally, this is going to be a difficult line of work" said Bourbeau. "I have spent this season in a top professional league. I have CSL clean sheets to my name now, and I am really proud of that. Everyone that has played here this season deserved to be here. And next year, maybe I will be back and maybe I will be playing elsewhere. I'm just going to show up and work no matter what."