National Premier League club Cumberland United surprised the Football Community in 2013 with their strong performance through out the season and their participation in the Finals Series.

Cumberland United Captain Robby Lippett said that his side, who were promoted in to the Premier League in 2013, were the surprise of the season.

“We knew that we were the underdogs of 2013. We trained hard and went in to every game with nothing to lose. 

“Overall, our goal as a young team with a new coach was to play finals football. We were unlucky against Campbelltown in the Finals; if we had proceeded we could have done the job in the Semi Final against MetroStars, for the fourth time. It hurt watching the Grand Final, knowing we were so close to having been there.”

Defeating Minor Premiers MetroStars and equally strong outfit Adelaide City on three occasions each throughout the year, Cumberland aim to be contenders to be wary of again in the upcoming season told Lippett.

“It is highly unlikely for any team to beat both MetroStars and Adelaide City three times in a single season. Unfortunately several young players from our 2013 squad that Cumberland had developed through the junior system have now gone to these two clubs.

“In saying that, we have a much younger squad heading in to next season which motivates us even more. We will be encouraging and further developing the younger players to stay focused and gaining confidence in the final third of the season.”

Lippett believes that although Adelaide Blue Eagles were unlucky in the 2013 Grand Final, they will be the team to watch in 2014 due to their experienced squad. Lippett also says that West Adelaide may be a contender. 

“The depth of experience at West Adelaide should also see them as a top 5 team but it will be interesting to see how the players react when the going gets tough. 

“South Adelaide will find it tough but have Danny Greystone’s experience and a difficult home venue for any visiting team.”

In the coming season the 25 year old defender told that as a young captain he would like to continue to develop himself as a leader with in the young playing group and hopefully score a few more goals, if permitted to cross the half-way line by Head Coach Michael Brooks.

Brooks, who won the 2013 Martyn Crook Premier League Coach of the Year Award noted that although they were disappointed to exit the Finals Series on penalties, he was very happy with the season over all, including unexpectedly defeating a number of top sides.

“The boys worked extremely hard. Our goal was to try and achieve a finals position and they put in the efforts to get there and it was pleasing to get wins against sides like MetroStars and Adelaide City.

“Our emphasis was to try and play well every game, but naturally if you want to become a big player in the game and be a big club, we have to beat the big clubs.”

Brooks tells that from the 15 that played in the 2013 season, 8 have since left the club and they are under no illusions that they have a lot of hard work to do if they are to make finals again.

“The reason that the big 4 clubs, MetroStars, Campbelltown City, Adelaide Blue Eagles and Adelaide City are always in the Finals is that they are always competitive. If we want to be one of those clubs then that is what we have to be.

“You only get out what you put in so we are rebuilding the motor again, making sure that we are competitive and that the young boys are up to speed, ready to go straight away.”