I’ve only ever posted on here once before and that was to thank the people of Witton for their support over my time at Witton.
So today I am posting again, this time to say Thanks to theeee BEST person I have ever met at Witton… Brian Pritchard. (Bit long, grab a brew)
Pritch, I had the pleasure to be in the same team as for nearly 400 games, I always knew having you and your big head at the back we had half a chance. As a player you was superb, gave everything, often under rated by opposing teams and fans but I know every one of them knew they’d been in game after each game finished. A colossal defender who read the game superbly well, could head the ball as far as I could kick it, gave you 5-10 goals a season from set pieces and was a great captain. Often played injured, played after 3 hrs sleep, played for no money, again not your average modern day footballer, one of a kind and certainly one of Wittons best ever players. You should be so proud of your career and what you have gave back to Witton and non-league, your commitment and loyalty should be acknowledged the same as the top level hero’s and in my opinion the ‘Brian Pritchard Enclosure banner should be in gold letters across one of the stands.
As a manager he was great, straight away built a management team he said he needed to trust, myself, and Nige couldn’t say no, this was Pritch, he needs help, he has to be a success…
1 year later –PROMOTION IN SYTLE - FA CUP run bringing in thousands for the club, gates around 500, supporters on board, feel good factor, and most of all, people where proud to be Witoners again, a great footballing side put together by their hero, Brian Pritchard.
2 years later – a play-off place in a season of stability, played some great stuff and maybe with a bit more luck may of gone up again.
3 years later – we struggled, he worked his socks off, he never quit, he had no sleep, he lost his hair, (oh no, wait a minute) but we all stuck together stayed positive, and we finished on 60+ points, disappointing but a learning curve.
4 years later – he works his socks off, loses his wingman (me) builds a great squad, then steps down.
Im gutted, Yeh I thought Brian Pritchard would never call It a day at Witton Albion, Witton without Brian Pritchard having a say in everything that goes on, from pot holes in car park to what colour boots the lads wear, it’s weird already. The man’s everywhere, done everything, he has presence, statue, a control freak… yes (when it comes to anything Witton). It’s his club, his love and always will be, even from a distance. The man’s one of a kind and there will never ever be anyone quite like him at our club.
Pritch the great number 4
Pritch the head on a stick
Pritch the Captain
Pritch the caretaker manager
Pritch the commercial manager
Pritch the manager
Pritch the wingman (Mr Smiths)
Pritch the groundsman
Pritch the Physio
Pritch the cleaner
Get my drift, the man has done everything, he is Mr Witton, he knows it and he loves it. It’s been his life, he’s give everything he’s got and I believe he feels he still has more to give but he needs a brake, a rest, time to sit back and enjoy a pint, enjoy a day’s holiday and hopefully grow his hair back.
He now doesn’t need to be questioned and interrogated as to why, he just needs a massive pat on the back, a thankyou, shake of the hand, and left to recharge and save up for a new mower. Witton will continue to exist, who knows this may be the start of a new chapter, Pritch has certainly layed some solid foundations.
Proud to be his bloody mate, and proud of him, will miss his smelly banter and so will the lads, they loved him, he’s a top bloke.
Love you Brain. It’s been a blast.
Come on Witteerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrn!
