It has been another busy week at Chesham United. Replica shirt orders continue to flood in, we are now at over 100 on pre-order with the real promotion of the Taskmaster sponsored shirts not really being exposed to a wider audience for another week or two, so this is very pleasing. This week we have had meetings with the kit providers and sorting out the distribution logistics as this is going to be on a scale that we have not seen before, but I am confident that we have all the right plans taking place.
In other news, the ownership of the club has gone through some changes as we look to secure the longevity of the club. After consultation with all shareholders, Chris Kay and I have purchased additional shares from Charles Manchester, Mike Dickson and Mike Cant. This has taken my shareholding up to 16.81% and Chris Kay to 16.71% whilst Charles Manchester and Mike Dickson retain 7.79% each. Roger Payne remains the largest shareholder with 49%, the Supporters’ Trust now own 1.9% and Mike Cant no longer has a shareholding interest in the club.
I know many supporters have viewed Charles Manchester’s shareholding as a reassurance of integrity and retaining supporters’ interest during times of uncertainty, and I would very much like to pass on my thanks to Charles Manchester for everything he has done for this football club and the role he has carried out as a significant shareholder and I very much hope will continue to do albeit with a lesser shareholding. I can assure you that the Board, under the new ownership structure, will continue to maintain those high standards to retain best practice and supporters’ interest.
The reason for the change is a show of commitment from Chris Kay, myself and the rest of the Board. The decision was not taken lightly, and all other shareholders were given the opportunity to purchase the shares, but I am delighted to confirm that after various meetings and some deep questioning, Charles Manchester and Mike Dickson had the confidence and belief in what we are looking to achieve at the club and agreed to the sale. It is my promise now to make sure they never regret that decision and drive this club forward in the best interest of the town, our supporters and everyone associated with Chesham United.
In other good news, Andy Westlake, Chairman of the Ladies section, has agreed to become a full Director of Chesham United Association Football Club and will be joining the Board subject to FA processes. This is a huge step forward for our One Chesham United vision. Andy has been an active participant in our monthly management meetings over the past two years and I am very excited to have him on board and exploring new ways how we can work closer together moving forward.
Aside from all of that, preparations are well underway for the Treorchy Choir visit to Chesham next weekend, season ticket sales are going well and have already surpassed last year’s total, our groundsman Craig is very much hoping that the pitch gets some of the rain forecast for this weekend and I am still very keen to talk to anyone interested in joining our team of volunteers for the season ahead.
Thank you for your support and stay safe in the heat.
