Tonight we look forward to welcoming a big crowd to The Meadow for our popular fireworks event, it is a huge task to put on such an evening and I would like to say a public thank you to all of those volunteers that have worked so hard for what is going to be a fantastic evening.
I know that for many of our visitors tonight it will perhaps be a first ever trip to their local football club, or indeed have been before, but never for a football match, so an extra big welcome if you fall into that category – We hope you enjoy the facilities, we are very proud of our club and hope to one day also see you at a football match one Saturday, you will be made most welcome.
Gates open at 6.00pm this evening, there is a bar, hot food and covered terraces – You can pay at the turnstile so if you have not bought tickets in advance, you can still come along to the event. Tickets can still be purchased in advance here: https://cheshamunitedfc.ktckts.com/brand/match-tickets
On the pitch, I think it’s fair to say it has been a disappointing week as we exited both the FA Trophy & Southern League Cup on penalties. This week has been a reminder that this is a team at the early stages of a promising journey, this will hopefully just be a blip along the way as I do genuinely believe that even in the defeats there were things to be encouraged by.
In Tuesday night’s game we featured three 18 year olds and a 17 year old all of which we as a club feel have a bright future in the game and will develop with us over the coming season. The nature of the shootouts themselves was disappointing with our takers only scoring twice across the two shootouts and especially against Bracknell failing to capitalise on some great saves from Sam Beasant from their takers.
On the subject of youngsters, our Academy were in action again in midweek, losing 0-1 to Kidlington, a disappointing result, but all part of the development programme we are going through. I was delighted to talk to the players after the game and encourage them to feel a part of the club.
Next Saturday, we are back at the Meadow for back-to-back Saturday home games, hosting Hendon in what will be our closest game to Remembrance Sunday. As a club & town we will be paying our respects to those that have sacrificed their lives in defence of our country and others at the game, with the local Royal British Legion joining us for a Remembrance ceremony. We will also be offering free entry to the game to all serving & former personnel of our Armed Services as a small thank you from us to them, so please do let anyone you know that is a service member (past or present) know of this offer and we hope they can join us on the day.
We are also extending an offer to the season ticket holders of Premier League & Football League clubs with the international break taking place, offering them half price entry to the game on production of their season ticket at the turnstile. A chance to escape VAR and the expense and excess of the top of the game, and maybe even find a new home on the terraces at a Non-League Club in the heart of our great game.
We will be hosting our first Business Partners Evening for several years on Tuesday 16th November before the game against Walton Casuals. There is a free buffet and hospitality for our business guests that evening, the only catch is a short presentation from myself and the club on the future of Chesham United and how we and the business community locally can work together for shared prosperity. So, if you own a local business, or believe the company you work for would be interested in attending, please do let me know and I will ensure a formal invitation is made.
Last weekend, saw the departure of a club legend in Dave Pearce. Dave decided to leave the club in search of more first team football after 8 seasons at the Meadow and has joined up with Thame United this week. Pearcey made his debut for the club in August 2014, going on to make 268 appearances for the club and scoring 80 goals for the club. As a club we are disappointed that Dave has left but completely understand his reasons and desire to play more football and I personally on behalf of the club would like to thank Dave for his service and wish him all the best for the future.
This weekend we are restarting post-match managerial interviews – this is something that we have been wanting to do since the start of the season but having been struggling to find a volunteer to do. Luckily we have been able to move one or two tasks around and to start with they will be conducted by Giles Stevenson. We are though still looking for a volunteer(s) to help us on the media side, in particular with editing match highlights, interviewing the managers & players and putting together the matchday programme. If you would like to find out more about getting involved in any of those areas, please do get in touch, even just for a non-committal conversation then please contact press@cheshamunited.co.uk
Thank you as always for your support, it is appreciated. Onwards and upwards.
Peter Brown, Chairman