August 11 2007

I hope that you have all enjoyed your Summer break and vacations and are looking forward to the new season and the exciting challenges ahead.

We enjoyed a successful season last year and winning the South Midlands Floodlit Cup was a great way to end the campaign and give a little something back to all those people who give up so much of their time to help out.  On a positive note we have maintained the successful squad we had from last year and with some new additions and the high numbers of players who have attended pre-season training, we are certainly continuing our progress and building a bright future for the club.

I would like to take this opportunity to give praise to all those players who have attended pre-season training and put a lot of hard work and effort in.  Once again you are a credit to the club.

Unfortunately, we are currently without the services of Dean Godden, Brad Green and Sean Anderson as they seek to recover from injuries obtained at the end of last season.  We wish them well and look forward to having them fit and available for selection as soon as possible.  Each player is missed not only for their ability but their presence in the dressing room. 

Following on from last season's successes it is important that we maintain our progress and must continue to strengthen.  We have set ourselves a benchmark and must aim to improve once again this season.  This is our fourth season in the Ridgeons League Division 1 and we are fully aware of what is expected of us. Each game in this division is always difficult, there is no such thing as an easy game.  Every team in the Division is competitive and will work hard as individuals and for each other and that is the mentality that is required here at the club. 

To be successful we must have the desire and hunger to succeed.  It is important to get off to the best possible start and get as many points on the board as early as possible.  Although it is long and very difficult season we don't want to be playing catch-up with teams at the top.

It was well documented last season that we were the third best supported club within step 6 of the entire football pyramid system and it is hoped that with your continued support we can become number one!!!  A big thank you to all once again.

Also, I would like to praise those of you behind the scenes who have once again given up your time in helping around the ground.  I am sure you will agree that the recently installed seats in the new stand certainly look the part and the pitch is looking the best it has been for quite some time.  Again, these are signs of how the club is developing and improving.  Let's hope for yet another successful season both on and off the field.  Thank you for your continued support.  All the best.  Tommy.