Dear all
As I prepare these notes we lie 6th in the NPL Premier Division. After our deserved win against Grantham Town we now have the best home league record in the Division. One defeat in the last 10 games suggests a settled side enjoying a good run of form. Well done to the management, staff and players!
Our aspirations have now changed and despite the modest budget initially afforded to Carl and Gary they are achieving outstanding results. I have entered into discussions with them about a contract extension. In adjusting our goals we should not be frightened of promotion to the Conference North. In the words of Norman Vincent Peale: “Shoot for the moon! If you miss, you will land amongst the stars!” We are not in this Division just to make up the numbers. As a club we will continue to do our very best possible. That is the minimum standard required!
Our financial position continues to improve. We have worked very hard this year to increase cash flow within the business. The income streams created are all starting to bear fruit. We are now looking at a projected gross target figure of £450,000 per annum and rising. On the capital asset side Wincham Park is valued at £1.2 million and our Stadium Manager Colin Jump is considering the minor improvements, if any, that are necessary to achieve the Category B stadium grading for a higher division. We have a very small overdraft and a comparatively modest £40,000 long term loan secured over the premises. We are paying as we go and also putting money away. We do still have some historic Crown debt to clear which has been halved in just 5 months.The necessity of a 3G pitch has gone. It is accordingly shelved for the present time although continues to be an option.
The Social Club together with 60 Club donations have made a huge difference to income. Jim Powell pointed out that Season Ticket Gold Club members weekly contributions over the year equate to the minimum 60 Club member payment. A quick check confirmed this. As a consequence all Season Ticket Gold Card Members qualify as 60 Club members. Details of benefits for members will follow in the New Year. Many thanks to all! These monthly payments which total £42,000 over the year have been crucial. We are exploring avenues for Social Club use in the daytime. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
John Evans has stepped down as Safety Officer due to his commitments at Old Trafford. He will be sorely missed. Ian Stanley is an able Deputy but this is short term and the club are currently looking for assistance in this area. My sincere thanks to both. We are also looking for Volunteers to help with meeting and greeting guests, sponsors and Junior Teams on Match days. A marketing team is being put together. We are raising our profile massively. The excellent Mockumentary recently shown is another example of this. My thanks to James Kennedy and Adam Jump for their outstanding work.
The average gate is at least 25% up on last season. The support we get makes a huge difference in creating the right atmosphere and supporting the team. Comically, the keyboard warriors and trolls have gone silent. We must be doing something right! On the sponsorship side we have entered into a partnership with Litke Wood & Co. Chartered Accountants. My personal thanks to Graham Wood. I am looking forward to working with him on developing the club further using the accounting information his firm provides. In addition our First Team kit Sponsor Jim Worthington of WTL has agreed to sponsor the Social Club. Many thanks to him. We look forward to working with all of our business partners more.
Witton Albion Elite Coaching has had an outstanding response. Information on this will be going out next week. We are working with Witton Albion in the Community to establish links with Charitable organisations and groups. We are enjoying a very close working relationship with Witton Albion Juniors FC. These connections at the Football Club, together with the swelling numbers of our own Junior members are starting to create a family atmosphere and a Community hub. Long may that continue!
Let us all get behind the lads!
John
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John Salmon
Chairman
Witton Albion FC