I am delighted to be able to start this week by announcing that our management duo, James Duncan and Michael Murray, have signed with the club for a further two years. This is fantastic news and gives us the stability to plan for the future and also sends out a strong message to our playing squad that we back our managers at Chesham United. Football at all levels can be brutal, but particularly in non-league level where very few players are on actual contracts, it is important to show loyalty and integrity, the reputation of a football club goes a long way towards attracting the right type of player. Being true to your word, paying wages on time and providing a decent playing surface and facilities are part of the package; it need not be all about money. I would like to think we tick all those boxes.
With the management secure, I know they are working hard to develop the squad and there will be player announcements over the coming weeks, as I have mentioned before, we tend not to be a club that makes big announcements early, preferring to keep our cards close to our chest until the time is right.
Following on from the League AGM last week we are informed that the league fixtures will be released week commencing 2nd July, which does not leave us much preparation time before the league campaign kicks off on 6th August. I am never quite sure why we have to wait so long for the fixtures after the leagues have been ratified, but it always seems to be the case and that is completely out of our control. With some long trips in the pipeline, it can make booking travel an issue if we end up with a long trip whilst still in the school holidays.
Talking of long trips, following the resignation of Walton Casuals from the league it has been confirmed that Merthyr Town will no longer be relegated from our league, meaning we will still have a journey across the border next season. For the club and players it is a long day, but actually deep down many of us, and our supporters, will put down a trip to Merthyr Tydfil as one of our favourite away days – a warm welcome and just a fantastic club to visit. Indeed I believe Merthyr were recent winners of the Football Supporters Association Away Day of the Year 20221/22 for our level of football. Congratulations and fully deserved.
This week we have ordered the new playing shirts and tracksuits with the sponsors of both to be announced on Sunday when we will be making the draw for the company name to go on the back of the shirt from our Claret Club members. Watch this space.
Prior to that, on Saturday we will be finishing painting the white safety lines on the terraces, but there is still plenty of work to do painting the wooden tops of the perimeter boards – any volunteers always welcomed.
Flights permitting, we will be operating with a skeleton Board next week as members of the Board jet off on well-deserved holidays, back in time for our pre-season friendlies when the excitement for the new season really begins to build up.
Thank you for your support.
Peter Brown, Chairman
