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The Chairman’s End of Season Statement.

The Chairman’s End of Season Statement.

Simon Cox12 May 2019 - 11:59
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Chairman Neil Chambers celebrates what has been a record-breaking season for the club and has seen the successful first season for the youth section

Irrespective of the outcome of events outside of or control I wanted to reflect on what has been a wonderful campaign which has seen us enjoy our best season since reforming and the club's best season since 2006/07.

Firstly, a reflection on the management team and players. What a fantastic group of players Andy and Mooro have put together. Young men giving up their time voluntarily week after week, training twice weekly and spending at least 5 hours away from their family and out of their homes every Saturday during the season, to represent our wonderful town and club is fantastic. Their commitment to the club, to Andy and Mooro, to me, to the Committee and Directors and to the supporters has been outstanding. Some of the football we played this season has been superb and we have broken numerous records along the way.

Looking at the Division One stats we have averaged 2.44 points per game, we have won more games than any other team , we have the best away record , we have the 2nd best home record , we are one of only two teams to have scored 100 goals, we have the 2nd best defensive record, most away wins, joint highest number of home wins, least number of draws and losses , 2nd best goal difference, joint highest number of home wins, joint lowest number of away goals conceded, 20 games unbeaten and in Leon Taylor we had the Division's top goalscorer. By some distance we had the highest average attendance at 115 and the highest single attendance at 190. Every single player who has represented the town and the club take a bow you have all played your part in a magnificent season. Thank you for all the enjoyment you have brought to us this season.

To Andy and Mooro what a fantastic job they have done. Both very easy to deal with and give the Chairman not a moment of trouble or grief. Their appetite for work is second to none as is their attention to detail, their will to win and their preparation and time commitment is exceptional. Thank you, guys, for putting the name of the club and town firmly on the football map and for giving me some fabulous memories.

What can I say about my wonderful Committee and Directors? It is a world of difference running and managing a club and facility seven days a week. With 4 football pitches, 8 dressing rooms, two large club rooms to maintain and 150 matchdays and events to plan, cater for and clean up after the work is never ending. There are 21 committee members and volunteers who spend an awful lot of time working from early morning to late at night upto 7 days a week on behalf of the first team and the club. To Gil, Gaz, Keith, Rose, Anton, George, Craig, Bob, Gav, Simon, Mark, Dave, Lynne, Nicola, Emma, Coz, Katie, Myles, Pete, Jayne and Paul I say to you all, you are magnificent. I am lucky and privileged to lead such a fantastic group of hard-working volunteers.

Then there are our magnificent supporters. Our average attendance is by some way the best in the Division and home or away you always give the team your unbelievable support in all weather conditions. A few stand out with a virtual 100% attendance record home and away and are worthy of a mention Graham, Brian, Pete, Alma, Mark and Dave M take a bow.

Our Sponsors and advertisers are an integral and inspirational part of our club. Their financial support is vital and gives us all a tremendous boost knowing that local businesses support what we are doing. A special word of thanks go to Kevin at Paycare Ltd, to Peter at PAL Group, to David at Rozone, to Scott at Willenhall Windows, to Simon at Tom Giles and Co and to all our other sponsors and advertisers I say thank you for supporting your local football club and local people.

To our 8 Youth teams and the 30+ volunteers who make it possible for more than 150 local youngsters to play football and represent our town I say well done and I hope you have enjoyed your first season with us. Let's hope we see the first of our youth team recruits play for the first team sooner rather than later.

I will finish where I started. As I say events outside of our control and nothing to do with us may well determine the destination of the League title. No matter what the outcome we all should be proud of our progress and achievements over the last 12 months and last season. I certainly am and I am thankful to and proud of everyone who has played their part in making this season a memorable one.

Neil

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