Not for one minute did I think that the close season could bring such an exciting week at Chesham United, but the launch of our new kit partnership with Taskmaster has been absolutely phenomenal and the response within the first twelve hours has blown me away.

I know many of you are familiar with the BAFTA winning Channel 4 entertainment show which is now in its 15th series and is the brainchild of Chesham United Director, Alex Horne, who also presents the programme alongside the Taskmaster himself, Greg Davies. When I first approached Alex about joining the Board at Chesham United I don’t think either of us really envisaged exactly what we might be able to achieve, but we shared a passion for improving this football club and we had a desire to move away from the cycle of vulnerability the club has been in for the last forty years with a constant reliance on the financial contributions of individuals.

The Comedy Football Trophy a few weeks ago opened our eyes to what a perfect fit a community non-league football club and a comedy TV programme with a cult following could make. This led to the conversations about Taskmaster becoming the shirt sponsor for the senior men’s team and the launch of the replica shirts being available to order from last night. I would like to thank Alex Horne and his production company, Avalon for, their ongoing co-operation and support. Let’s hope that this is just the beginning of a fantastic relationship.

If you have not seen already, shirts are available to order from here.

This is a significant moment for the club because it does demonstrate that there are ways that we can incorporate new Board members, or contributors to the club, without, and excuse the frankness here, asking how deep is your wallet? That is so important for the sustainability of the club. I have talked about this in relation to moving to a new ground and the difference that can make, but there must be other initiatives out there that, by thinking out of the box, can help us to achieve our goals. Or, more honestly, be able to afford our goals.

I do not ultimately know how successful the shirt arrangement will be, the hope it is that it will reach out to new audiences and attract new interest in the club and with that will come financial rewards that will enable us to continue to invest in facilities, improving the matchday experience, fielding a successful First XI and developing the One Chesham United ethos that will see all sections of the club become integral to the future of Chesham United Football Club. Apologies if that sounds over-dramatic, but I genuinely believe that this is the catalyst for bigger things, with so many other ideas already in discussion to develop the Chesham United and Taskmaster partnership. We are very lucky, and need to make sure we get it right to build a successful era in our club’s history.

In addition to shirts being on sale, we have also had a good uptake of season tickets so far, be sure to order yours from the website as well. I think it is going to be another very open season in the Southern Premier South Division with a number of clubs no doubt having their eyes on promotion. We certainly plan to be competitive again next season, that is the brief for the management who I know are spending their summer looking at how and where to strengthen the squad.

Last week we announced our pre-season friendlies that will start with a trip to play Stotfold on Saturday 8th July, followed by a trip up the road to play Berkhamsted on Tuesday 11th July. A belated congratulations to Berkhamsted who were promoted at the end of last season, bringing them up to the same level as us in the football pyramid. Although they are only four miles up the road, they will however be in a different geographical league to ourselves as they travel up to the Midlands whilst we continue to head more towards the West Country for our away games. That game on 11th July will be an excellent test for both sides, and certainly one to pencil in your diary.

Our one home game is on 25th July against newly promoted to the Premiership Luton Town. It hurts me to write this as an avid Watford supporter, but congratulations also to Luton Town on their promotion, we look forward to hosting you at The Meadow next month. Other away friendlies include Welwyn Garden City, Leighton Town, Potters Bar Town and Kings Langley – full details can be found on the website

Finally, another request for volunteers for the season ahead and over the summer. We are still very heavily dependent on the same few helpers that give up so much of their time and energy and I would love to be able to share out some of that workload and, even more importantly, plug some of the gaps where we are lacking volunteers. However large or small amount of time you have, or whatever skills you have, drop me a note at chairman@cheshamunited.co.uk and we can discuss how you might want to get involved with our club at these exciting times.

More news to follow next week, have a great weekend,

Peter Brown, Chairman