In my final notes before Christmas, it is that time when I again reflect on the twelve months we have just been through…And it brings a huge smile to my face.
This time last year I talked about our play-off final defeat at Bracknell Town and considered the fact that in hindsight, an extra year in the Southern League preparing might prove to be a good thing and we would go into 2024 fully focused on trying to maintain our place at the top of the league and prepare ourselves off the pitch for what would be a huge step up to the National League South. Twelve months on, I don’t think that plan could have gone any better.
In 2024 we have enjoyed some of our biggest crowds for many years, not just for the big games, but our average for league matches has shot up as well. We completed the task of winning the Southern League, in some style, and spent the summer strengthening the squad in preparation for an exciting new chapter. Unlike previous years, we made new signing announcements throughout the summer to ensure we hit the ground running in pre-season and into the start of the season.
It was a baptism of fire coming up against some full-time teams in our opening matches. A point at Eastbourne Borough on the opening day of the new season was excellent and then we had two narrow home defeats where we quickly learnt that this league is going to be all about small margins. Our first league win came on 24th August with a superb result at St Albans City, a local rivalry that has been missing for the best part of a decade. What a fantastic day that was – I think everyone at that match walked away thinking, “wow, we are playing at a much higher level now, and I think we will be alright.”
After a narrow defeat with ten men against Torquay United we went on a winning run that raised our confidence, belief and expectations. Suddenly we were looking at fixtures against full-time sides believing that we can get something out of these games. Away at Maidstone United we did just that. A full-time squad with a set-up that is all primed for league football, but we snatched a late equaliser in front of over 2,000 passionate home fans. It felt magnificent. The equivalent weekend last year we lost 1-2 at home to Winchester City. No disrespect to Winchester City, but it is a stark reminder of how far we have come in the last 12 months.
For the second year running we reached the First Round Proper of the FA Cup. This time knocking out National League side Yeovil Town along the way – ten years ago Yeovil were winning 3-0 at Watford in a league game! This time around the FA Cup draw gave us that long sought after home tie against league opposition, which attracted extra sponsors and the television cameras which raised the profile of the club to levels never seen before.
Of course, the garden is not going to be coming up roses the whole time, this is football after all. In recent weeks we have suffered a little bit from the knock-on effect of the FA Cup run and the fixture backlog, but also we have had a reminder that this is a very tough league with some big clubs, and some well-backed clubs. Last weekend we lost at Boreham Wood who two seasons ago reached the National League play-offs, competing for a place in the EFL League, and tomorrow (Saturday) we face a Dorking Wanderers side who were relegated from the National League last season after 12 promotions in their brief 25-year history. They are a side used to winning, and have very publicly declared their ambition, expectation even, to get promoted this season. Tomorrow will be another very tough game, but I can’t wait.
Tickets for tomorrow’s game will be available on the gate, a big thank you to everyone who has purchased in advance, it is a big help for the administration and operations on the day – we are expecting a large away following, and hopefully a large home contingent as well. We also have a special visitor in the shape of Father Christmas coming down to pay us a visit, so be sure to bring the family along for what should be a fantastic day.
After an away trip to Slough Town on Boxing Day (please note this is a 1.00pm kick-off) our next home match is against Hemel Hempstead Town on New Years Day. What a game that is set to be, another bumper crowd is expected for this match that kicks off at 1.00pm also, so please do look to buy your tickets in advance, full details available on our website.
As we look forward to 2025 we are pleased to see some of our longer-term injured players starting to make a return. Harry Rush and Zak Jospeh are now back in the squad, Karl Oliyide has been back for a couple of weeks now and hopefully Ryan Upward will be in contention again over the next week or so. Unfortunately going the other way, our captain Steve Brown will be out for another 2-3 weeks with a hamstring issue and Eoin Casey suffered a knee injury recently which is likely to see him out of the game for some time. As a self-employed worker, that is going to be very tough for him, which is part of the reason why we set up our Players Injury & Rehabilitation GoFundMe page.
All players are insured when they cross the white line wearing the club shirt, but sometimes injuries occur that have a wider impact on their livelihood or mental wellbeing and if there is anything we can do to speed up their recovery or help their home life, then we will always aim to do that. Even if it falls outside of what we budget for as a club. It is important that players know they get looked after when they sign for Chesham United. The funds raised so far do not come close to covering what has already been spent on additional player rehabilitation since the launch of the page, but that will not change our attitude towards player protection. If you can help, and share our view on looking after players, it will be much appreciated – every donation helps. Click here for further information and to donate.
Finally, a big thank you to our supporters and fellow Directors who, between us, have made a £1,200 contribution towards the local foodbank to provide those less fortunate families in the local area with something to look forward to over the Christmas period. We will be making one last collection at tomorrow’s game, please donate at the collection points in the clubhouse if you are able to, it is important that there is more to Chesham United than just the football.
It has been another fantastic twelve months, thank you to everyone who has been a part of it and contributed to the success. I am excited as to what 2025 has in store, we are on an upward trajectory and have no intention of seeing that level out or dip over the coming twelve months. We may have lost a few games recently, but that is football. We have formed a strong bond as a club, together we will turn things around on the pitch and continue to progress off it. Have a fantastic Christmas, and I look forward to seeing many of you at Slough for a mouth-watering Boxing Day treat.
Peter Brown
