Loan rangers ready for Reddot Football Club’s return to the Camden Sunday League

Published: 9th June, 2011
by STEVE BARNETT

MANAGER Micky Dowsett joked that he was “calling his players back off loan” this week after Reddot Football Club sensationally revealed they are returning to action in the Camden Sunday League. 

The all-conquering club folded last summer after eight glorious years when Micky realised that he had “fallen out of love with the game”. 

A host of the their top players were quickly snapped up by other teams as Reddot’s reign came to an unexpected end. 

On Thursday, however, the Dots were welcomed back into the league as Micky admitted that he was “jealous” at seeing other teams grabbing all the headlines. 

The tough-tackling defender, who lives in Kentish Town, said: “The two main reasons we folded were that I had lost my passion for playing and I wanted to focus on coaching my Hampstead Under-11s side.

“I just wasn’t in love with football any more. When I set up the club back in 2002 it was to have fun and giggles with friends. But over the years I’d become a nasty player who didn’t care about anyone or anything on the pitch.

“I’d simply had enough and certainly wasn’t going to miss everyone giving me grief on a Sunday morning.”

But Micky, 33, was wrong.

“I missed it more than I ever thought I would,” he confessed. “I realise now it’s about more than just the 90 minutes – it’s about the banter, preparing for big games and the camaraderie afterwards.

“I’ve got my hunger back, and brought the old firm together again. My players were only out on loan, and now they’re coming home to where their heart is, and to start winning trophies again.”

Reddot are one of the most successful clubs in the history of the Camden Sunday League having won 14 trophies in eight years, including four league titles and twice capturing the treble. 

This time around, however, the challenge is bigger than ever, especially with the current champions and treble-winners Phoenix setting a phenomenal standard. 

“I’m glad they’re back,” said Phoenix manager Dave Harber. “It means even more competition next season. 

“Whoever joins will have to have a strong squad because Phoenix are ready for the challenge. I can’t wait to see Micky next season and it’s great having Reddot back, but hopefully they will finish behind us next season.”