Raising The Bar

Rufus Brevett has won the latest 'Raising The Bar' award for his efforts in training - with Luke Chadwick and Elliot Ward also getting accolades for the month just gone.

It is a recent initiative at Chadwell Heath to add impetus to training, and sports scientist Tony Strudwick says:

"It was a close one this month, but someone who has exceeded expectations is Rufus Brevett; he has gone above and beyond the call of duty, so to speak.

"Every day he has been a top class professional; he has been around a bit and he know what is required to sustain a level of performance.

"He is the gym every day, doing what is necessary, so it goes to him.

"The Young Eagle award has gone to Luke Chadwick; he has come from another club but he has bought into the culture that Alan is trying to create here, which is excellent for Chaddy.

"He has had a good schooling at Manchester United and he has brought that professionalism with him, which is good.

"People like Chaddy, Malky Mackay, and Carl Fletcher have been fantastic in terms of going for what we are trying to achieve here.

"You know what you are going to get with Luke; he is always one of the first out practising with a ball.

"The most improved performer is Elliot Ward, who has really dug in this year.

"He has had a bit of work to do in the last year but he has come through that long spell out with injury - and he deserves a bit of recognition for the hard work he is putting in.

"He was out for a long time; we tested him preseason and again a few weeks ago and he has improved considerably - which is down to the work he has been putting in.

"It is always hard to come back from injury but he has worked well."