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| Promoted undefeated, but what next? |
It was always Pazhood's dream to play in the Super League. In fifteen seasons the manager transformed a bunch of no-hopers into a team who had earned the right to face the League's best. But the Super League is an unforgiving place. Two seasons in the top division proved to be hard work for Pazhood and his boys. After surviving their first season, the second yielded only two wins and Coven were sent back down again.
It could've been the start of a downward slide for United, and Pazhood was rumoured to be considering retirement. But the Coven players showed that they still have the hunger. They kept their heads high and have bounced back into the top division, promoted undefeated with a game to spare.
Hotten FC sustained a credible challenge for the entire season, and it all came to a head when Coven United travelled to Cross Green this week. Pazhood was thrilled to see his team deliver their performance of the season to secure a 2-0 victory and deliver the coup de grâce to United's only competition for top spot.
In truth, the biggest factor in Coven United's promotion back to the Super League was being drawn in Division 1a rather than 1b. Four teams in 1b have a higher average match rating than Coven; BioHaZard's is the best in the whole League and they have not even secured top spot (yet?).
Now United fans can revel in success and enjoy a final game that showcases the club's young prospects. They know what to expect in the coming season - a bitterly fought battle for survival against stronger and often more wiley opponents.
Pazhood has long applied the 'conveyer belt' approach to team building, and it's paid off in private leagues. The Super League is another story. Success seems to lie in building a team from 16/4s who grow together in a golden generation, shining brightly for several seasons then imploding in a wave of sales and retirements.
Pazhood's seen the competition he faces next season and can't reasonably hope to be a title challenger. The question is, what constitutes success for a club like Coven? Is survival enough, or is it time to flog everyone off and start all over again?
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