We are now just a week away from the start of the new season and the excitement that brings, the close season seems to have flown-by, as has the preseason period, and I am confident that we have the club in a good position to hit the ground running.
Our first game of the season is next Saturday away at Hanwell Town, a very local game compared to what we have experienced on the opening day of the past couple of seasons (trips to Plymouth and Tiverton), so it would be fantastic if we could take a strong Chesham following and give the team our full support as we look to get off to a winning start.
Talking of good support, it was wonderful to see over 775 spectators at our pre-season friendly game against Luton Town on Tuesday night. It was an entertaining game in which our visitors’ professionalism showed, but we made a good account of ourselves, and it was another valuable 90-minutes in our pre-season preparations.
Pre-season matches conclude tonight (Friday) with a short trip around the M25 to play Chertsey Town with a 7.45pm kick-off.The match against Luton Town was our only home games this pre-season, but we learned some valuable lessons as well as being reminded of ongoing challenges.
Fifteen minutes before kick-off there were long queues to get into the ground, we would of course love to be able to open more turnstiles, but I would urge people to get to the ground early if possible. With our excellent clubhouse facilities, club shop, Billy’s Burger, the excellent tea bar and of course we have comfortable covered terracing all around the ground from where you can watch the pre-match warm-ups.
I mentioned we would like to open another turnstile, but that does again come down to the old favourite challenge of finding volunteers. I appreciate for most spectators coming to a game is a weekend activity with friends and/or family and is a break from work, but there must be others out there who might like to get more involved and take some of the pressure off our overworked small band of volunteers. I know I have asked many times before, but maybe what the club really needs is an individual, or small committee, that is willing to take on the role of recruiting and fulfilling the various volunteer roles that come along. I know I would hugely appreciate this, as will the rest of the Board and club officials – could that be you?Please, if you, or anyone you know, would like to get involved, get in touch, and we will give you full support in helping us in this one area of the club where we do truly struggle.
Our current vacancy list looks as follows:
Matchday gate person
Stewards
Kit Manager
Matchday boardroom/players cook/chef
There is some funds available to cover expenses in some of the roles and if need be we will have to look at paying out more to get these jobs covered which some people might think is the right thing to do anyway, but that would affect the clubs running budget for the season and creates all sorts of complications and potential harsh feelings from those volunteers that are already doing so much more. It is complicated, it is challenging, and it needs fixing. If you can help, please do let me know – chairman@cheshamunited.co.uk.
As the season approaches the commercial team remains very busy making arrangements with our local business and supplier partners, with the highly publicised Taskmaster shirt sponsorship and a number of high-profile community activities in the pipeline, our offering to local businesses has never been better; especially as our One Club ethos involving the ladies and youth sections continues at a pace. More details can be found on the website here, or contact commercial@cheshamunited.co.uk.
A reminder that we are holding a very special evening on Thursday 14th September 2023, hosted by our very own comedian and Taskmaster host, Alex Horne, with guest speaker the legendary Ian Holloway. The evening will include a fish and chip supper plus 2 free drinks for every guest. Full bar facilities will also be available. The format will consist of tables of eight and the ticket price is £60 +VAT (per head). Tables are selling fast amongst our business partners, but any individuals interested in reserving a place, please contact me at chairman@cheshamunited.co.uk and I will pass your details on for you to be contacted.
So, what else is going on around the club? Well that is probably easiest answered by pointing you towards an Open Meeting at the club this coming Thursday (3rd August) when myself, the board and the first team managers will be in The Chess Suite answering all your questions openly and honestly – be that about our ambitions for the season, the club’s future, the new ground; we will be completely frank and honest as to what is happening. The meeting starts at 7.00pm, the bar will be open selling refreshments, so arrive in good time to meet with friends and let’s all get together in preparation for the start of an exciting new season.
Thank you for your continued support
Peter Brown
Chairman
