I have been talking to our managers this week about the squad they have put together, and they are very happy with the business we have done and how the team is looking. However, if a special player we would like becomes available then they would obviously talk, for example if Mbappe got fed up at Real Madrid (!), but in general we are very happy with our retentions and seven new signings. There should not be too many more but you never close the door on any approach to the club.
A first I believe for Chesham United is that next season all players names and squad numbers will appear on the back of their shirts this next season. I think it shows an increased level of professionalism, but also indicates the level of stability we have reached in building a squad, unlike the days not so long ago when we might be introducing 2 or 3 new players every game at the beginning of the season.
Talking of professionalism, this week we attended an induction meeting for clubs newly promoted and relegated to the National League – I have to say it was incredibly impressive how professional everything was and as if we needed it, it served as a reminder of what a big step up we have made for next season. There is lots for us to take in and build into our plans, including the increased sponsorship funding we receive and the reality that it is likely that some games from our league may be streamed live on television outside of the standard 3.00pm Saturday kick-offs. This weekend it is the National League AGM that we will be attending, after which we will have much more information, dates to look out for and even more reason to get excited!
Elsewhere around the club, our mature volunteer workers are doing a fabulous job at the ground on a Monday, as well as other days, one has even bought his wife along to help, and she is marvellous with her efforts! If you want to visit or take part in it please do come along.
Within the ground the new emergency exit that opens through the directors/players car park is near completion, a concrete party is required over the next few weeks after we have enlarged the Away dressing room to make it above the minimum requirement to pass ground grading. Next season we will be having available the 6th turnstile at the bottom of the ground so our capacity will be 4620, worked out on turnstile incoming rate. Additionally, we are having to create an area to segregate away supporters, the railings for this will be installed week commencing 20th June 2024. We do have the space for all this work which shows that our ground capacity could be 5800!
Following recent appeals for help we now have two volunteers to help with serving the boardroom area on match days, two more would be ideal and then we can work shifts, and those not working can enjoy the build-up and the match without any pressure. Please do get in touch if you would like to join our happy team of volunteers. We are also looking at training our stewards and Martin Woolnough is helping to organise the training events. Please look out for this.
This week I am writing these notes early as I am away getting some much needed R&R with a few days to get some energy into my batteries and hot sunshine onto my body. If you do go away this summer, please do take your club shirt with you and send us a picture where you go to and our shirt appears. There is a great video on social media from Jim Daly wearing the shirt, it is well worth a look. We can then list where our shirts have been and if you send photo’s to press@cheshamunited.co.uk to feature on our social media and we will list in the matchday programme during the cold wet winter months, if there is space maybe your picture will appear?
Grass is growing well from the massive amount of seeds and sand distributed over then surface. With our inclement weather it has meant that as of this week we have only had to water for two days (which is good for the water bill). It has had two cuts in four days the growth is so good.
Another work party we will be looking to organise is a Strimmer party for one day or a weekend very soon, where we can strim back all edges and grass to a minimum height and make our car parks much more attractive and useable for the winter months. We are looking for a used working electric hover grass cutter so that we can cut the grass banks more easily that go towards the back of the main stand and kitchen of the clubhouse. If anyone happened to have one they no longer need? These are light and we can then control the grass etc to a manageable height, and give any vermin no hiding place.
Season ticket sales are going well as we come towards the end of the early bird offer, when the price will go up by £45. So I strongly urge you to take advantage of this offer, season tickets do entry to our very attractive and challenging preseason friendlies.
Peter Brown, Chairman
