In the past week we have played two further pre-season friendlies, both against teams from the league above, and I have been delighted with our performance and the comments received by supporters about the progress we are making.
Last Saturday we beat a solid Wealdstone side 1-0. In the past when we have come up against sides from leagues above it has always looked as though they were always physically bigger and more comfortable on the ball, that was not the case in this game. I thought we looked very strong and competitive, which with so many new players only playing together for the first or second time, was very pleasing.
On Tuesday night we lost to a Barnet side who are amongst the favourites to be promoted to the Football League next season from the National League, and you can see why. Former Chesham striker and current Barnet Manager, Dean Brennan, has put together a very impressive, full-time professional, outfit who are going to take some stopping this season.
We now have a date for our official ground-grading, this will be on 7th August. In preparation for that it would be great if we could get more volunteers along to join our Monday morning work party this coming Monday. We have a number of signs and odd jobs to get done if you are available, people will be around from 9.30am on Monday to advise as to what needs to be done.
The following Sunday, 28th July, we are looking to have another work party for a couple of hours between 10.00am and midday, painting white lines around the ground and other maintenance jobs. For more information, or if you are available to help, but just cannot make these times, please contact me directly at chairman@cheshamunited.co.uk.
The pitch has been looking in good condition and had a low cut this week, looking good for the season ahead where it is going to be important that we make use of home advantage. A big thank you to Craig and the ground staff for getting it ready for two early preseason friendlies, we are now staying off it for a couple of weeks as we play away fixtures, the next one being at Chertsey Town next Tuesday – I hope to see many of you there.
When you come to games at The Meadow you will notice that there are several reserved parking places, please do take note of these and not park in them. In many cases they are reserved for supporters with medical conditions or personal needs, so please do not make their visits more challenging by not following the guidelines – that will be appreciated. I know as crowds get bigger parking becomes more of an issue, but there is plenty of parking within a short walk of the ground, or the clubhouse does open early on matchdays if you wanted to arrive early to secure your place and enjoy some refreshments before kick-off.
As I have mentioned in previous notes, we are investing in enhancing the presence of our stewards on match days. We are run by a superb team of volunteers who have started attending some training courses to help them deal with the higher league status and work together as a team to further improve the professionalism on a matchday. Anyone is welcome to attend these training courses, there will be two more at the club next Wednesday and the Wednesday after that, starting at 7.30pm. If you are interested, please do get in touch or come along to the club next Wednesday.
Commercially things continue to look good. A big thank you to everyone that has purchased season tickets, these will all be despatched in the coming days, whilst matchday tickets for all games are available on the website.
This week we also attended a Chiltern Chamber of Commerce event where I was very impressed by the quality of businesses we have in our local area. Networking is key in all businesses, and I am a big believer in supporting local wherever you can, it is an honour to be a part of such a passionate group. I hope we can build some good mutually beneficial partnerships going forward, our commercial offering for businesses continues to grow and gain interest, particularly when you consider there is the possibility that a league match could be shown live on television or through the National League TV service over the coming season – that does bring home what a big step up we have made! Anyone interested in more information about advertising opportunities, please contact commercial@cheshamunited.co.uk and Michele Brooks will get back to you.
I learned this week that the Pratt House care home in Amersham has been unable to afford to run trips to take residents to the seaside this year because of the increased costs involved. After a few discussions we have come to an arrangement where Chesham United is going to donate 90 kilos of sand to the home in Quill Hall Lane so that they can create their own beach for residents in the comfort of their own grounds – what a fantastic idea, and one we are very happy to support.
We are also looking for any help for fundraising of our own, if anyone would like to contribute. You may recall we set up a player injury and rehabilitation fundraiser, set up after players and fans asked how they can contribute to help any injured players. This week the club has agreed to pay for a knee operation for a senior player to help them to a speedier return to the pitch by having the treatment at Chiltern Hospital. The bill for this will be in excess of £5,000, we have committed to funding this, but hope that this platform will allow those who want to donate to help cover some of the medical cost – donations can be made here.
Thank you as always for your support, there is always so much more going on around the club than people realise, and I am extremely grateful to everyone who plays their part. On 31st July I am officially retired, which I am very much looking forward to, and I have no doubts that even more of my time will be filled working for our great club – which I love doing and can’t wait to do more of.
See you at Chertsey next Tuesday.
Peter Brown
