Match Preview

Happy New Year to all.

For our first game of 2017 we are delighted to welcome the players, officials and supporters of Bustleholme FC. Win, lose or draw the players and officials are most welcome to join us for post match hospitality.

What an end to 2016!! A superb record attendance of 234 for our New Year’s Eve home game against Wednesfield. Undoubtedly this will be the biggest attendance in Division One this season and almost certainly it will be the biggest in the entire League this season. The attendance for a game played at Step 7 in the Non League Structure is unbelievable and indeed it is even better when compared to other League's which played on New Year’s Eve. Can you believe that our gate was bigger than 2 games in the Ryman Premier Division (Step 3), bigger than all 10 games in the Ryman Division One North (step 4) and higher than 7 of the 9 games played in the Ryman Division One South. It was also higher than 3 of the 4 games played in the Evo Stik Northern Premier League Division One (North and South) also 3 steps higher.

Whilst we finished 2016 disappointingly with 3 consecutive league defeats it is important to remember that overall 2016 was still successful with just 9 defeats in 32 League fixtures. That would be enough for a top 4 finish in most seasons.

That is enough on my reflections of 2016 and now a look ahead to 2017.

On the field Swanny is working tirelessly to add quality to the squad. Many clubs at this level sign between 50-60 players each season but Swanny has made it clear that he doesn't want big numbers he only wants to sign players that he thinks will add quality and depth to the squad, He is finding it difficult to prize players away from the Midland League and WMRL Premier Division clubs particularly as many have playing budgets, but he is most certainly "on the case".

Off the field we will be looking to make improvements to the central heating system as well as refurbishing the club house toilets. Of course this is in addition to awaiting the result of our planning application for floodlights. Work will also be needed in both kitchens and in the cellar.

Best Wishes for 2017 and please enjoy the game........

Neil Chambers

Adults £3
Concessions £2
Under 10's Free

Programme £1