I am sure in the middle of winter when our groundsman Craig is on the phone and we are awaiting a pitch inspection for a waterlogged pitch I won’t be saying this, but for now isn’t it fantastic to hear the constant pounding of rain from the early hours of Thursday morning, carrying right on through for several hours. Not only is it good for my garden at home, but the pitch at The Meadow is in desperate need of the water, and hopefully it will also soften the ground and reduce the number of injuries we are seeing in the early part of the season. Not to mention the savings on the huge water bill!
Talking of injuries, Lewis Rolfe we hope to have back early October into the squad as he is now on a fully structured recovery plan set by our physio Matt. We all saw the freak injury sustained last Saturday to Roddy Collins with an awkward landing on a very hard pitch with little give in it. Rod’s injury looks long term and we will not know much until a scan can be performed once the very large swelling has gone down to his knee. George Ademiluyi is out with a knee injury but we hope Jack Connors will be back for one of the two matches this weekend.
Last weekend we added Frankie Sutherland to the squad, and we made a further addition this week with the loan signing from Sutton United of Matt Ridley for at least a month to help us through our injury problems. Well done to our managers for getting in these two quality players to our depleted squad.
Adding to our injury challenges, Matty our physio is away for a holiday and not available for the next four matches, does anyone know anyone who can stand in for these matches at short notice? It is a paid for position, if you can help, or know anyone who might be able to, please contact me as soon as possible – chairman@cheshamunited.co.uk.
The action this weekend first takes place away to Bracknell Town, newly promoted to the Premier Division, they have made an excellent start to the season and we know what a threat they can be having knocked us out of the FA Trophy last season at The Meadow. I know we will be well-prepared and hopefully we can get our first away win under our belts before a quick turnaround to play North Leigh at home on Bank Monday, another newly promoted side, kick-off is at 3.00pm.
On a sadder note, I was privileged to attend the funeral of Jim Duncan, our joint managers father this week. What a truly wonderful and supportive man Jim was. I know he will be missed around the club and I know he was a huge part of JD’s life, always by his side throughout his supporting career, wherever it took him. As a Chairman, and as a club, we are doing everything we can to support JD through these difficult times. The turnout for the funeral was huge, Jim was much loved and admired; he will be long remembered.
Thank you for your ongoing support. If not at Bracknell on Saturday, I hope to see many of you at The Meadow on Bank Holiday Monday.
Peter Brown, Chairman
