FROM THE CHAIR - 26/12/18 & 29/12/18.

A warm welcome to Wincham Park during this festive season! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our staff and fans and many thanks for your continued support.

I write these notes after a much needed league win in truly horrendous conditions at Marine and on a tricky pitch at Hednesford. With games in hand, a healthy mid-table position is within reach after our superb effort in the FA Cup and FA Trophy. Then we can kick on from there!

The lads showed grit and determination in both games to get what they deserved which hasn’t always happened this season. A special mention goes to man of the match and Captain Rob Hopley who scored a brace at Marine in what was his 150th game for us. Well done Rob!

We welcome two new signings to the club. Midfielder Jordan Lussey from Chorley on dual registration forms and Jordan Cobley a Forward from Barnton who featured for the U21s earlier this season.

Our management team of Carl Macauley and Gary Martindale continue to look to strengthen the squad in view of recent injuries which has depleted it.

Budget restraints has made this task a lot harder for them but they are very adept at getting the best out of players with minimal resources. We have to work harder as a club to generate income in all areas as we no longer have the monies from the sale of the Robert’s land to supplement our income.

Moving forward we have put an offer to them to extend their Contracts beyond May 2019 but this has been rejected as it was on reduced terms and they want to know what budget will be available for next seasons campaign.

Discussions are ongoing and whilst both parties clearly want to do something it has to be in the interests of both Witton Albion FC and Carl and Gary. Stability on the pitch is the key to success and this has been achieved in the last 3 years. We want more of the same.

The Social Club has been brought back in house after some highly publicised difficulties which required very prompt action. Special thanks to all those who have assisted in that smooth transition. Please support it as it provides a vital income stream to the club.

Finally I would like to urge all of our supporters to continue to get behind the team. Our gates are slightly down on last season and we need your continued support to sustain us at this level against some strong opposition with greater financial resources.

Enjoy the games and the holiday period!

John