The challenges keep coming thick and fast in this crazy new world we live in, but I am very proud of the way as a club we are handling all the changes in regulations and am very appreciative of all of those that are helping to make it happen, keeping the turnstiles turning. This week we continued our fantastic defensive record with two clean sheets, but probably will not make a secret of the fact that we would perhaps all like to see more goals down the other end! Three 0-0 draws and a 1-0 win so far this season is an unusual run of results, but with the defence looking solid that is a fantastic platform to build on and I am sure we will move forward from there to be contenders again this season.
One thing you cannot say is that the games have been boring! Another excellent crowd again on Tuesday night – thank you – saw an entertaining 0-0 draw, although often entertaining for the wrong reasons, but best not to dwell on that for too long. What I will dwell on is the excellent execution of our covid-19 procedures by our growing number of volunteers, we cannot do it without you. Just hours before opening time the clubhouse team were working tirelessly to allow us to open the bar before the game within the new government restrictions. By the time turnstiles opened it looked as though the plans had been in place for weeks with table service working superbly, including an excellent seating system to order drinks for taking out onto the terraces.
Each week it seems the challenges get greater, and we do still need more volunteers to help to keep things running smoothly. Specifically, we are looking for additional stewards to control entrance into The Chess Suite; making sure that there is an available seat for people entering and masks are being worn when moving around away from the table. Based on the crowds we have been getting and the subsequent queues as we go through the admission protocol, we are looking to open a third turnstile for future games but need a reliable volunteer to operate that for us – please do get in touch if you can help with this. With the crowds entering the ground, we are also looking to launch a 50/50 Prize draw on matchdays, but yes you have guessed it, we need volunteers for that as well!
I know it is a big ask and we have been blessed with so many helpers that have really made a huge difference, it is a appreciated, so if you are able to help out in anyway, particularly on matchdays, please do contact me at chairman@cheshamunited.co.uk.
As successful as I modestly think we have been with implementing new procedures, we do all need to play our part and make sure we follow the guidelines and practice social-distancing when at the ground – If we fail to comply we know that the local council will be watching and we do not want to reach a point where our capacity is reduced, as was the case for one of the sides following the FA Cup game between Tadley Calleva and Truro recently. On Tuesday night myself and a steward did have to pay a visit behind the goal during the game just to make sure the rules around social-distancing are being followed, you will help us tremendously if you can please always keep this in mind.
Back on the recruitment trail, we are keen to appoint a commercial director to the team, someone who can take on the responsibility of bringing in additional finances to the club through our many commercial opportunities and attractive sponsorship packages. If interested, please contact me directly.
Finally, thank you for all the feedback on the new kit – most of it positive. There will soon be a new supplier website up and running where you will be able to buy many items. For next season we will be launching a ‘design our kit’ competition where we will encourage supporters to come up with designs for the home and away kit, with the favourite selected to be the kit for the next campaign, look out in January for more details.
Thank you once again for your support, stay safe
Peter Brown, Chairman
Chesham United Football Club
