As I write these notes, we bask in the afterglow of an excellent away win at South Shields on Saturday when the players came from a goal down in the last minute to clutch victory out of the jaws of defeat! There will not be many teams that do the double over an excellent side that most regard as the champions elect. The victory in this tight division pushed us up to seventh place and with 3 months left to go in the season we are very much in the play-off mix. It is a remarkable achievement by the management and all the players. It is self-evident that when we get everybody back to full strength, we are a match for anybody. Our recent blip was down to injuries and suspensions. Every team has one.
As Chairman of a football club I am only too aware that on occasion one is subject to criticism! In a democracy everyone is entitled to their opinion. As I have said on several occasions, if you value the critic take on board the criticism. However, the criticism of the manager by a few detractors on social media in recent weeks is manifestly unfair. Especially when one considers his track record! On Saturday with half an hour left to play Carl changed his system by playing three centre backs and pushing the full backs further up the pitch. He sent Nick Ryan into the fray. This was a risk itself given his limited minutes after a quite horrendous injury.
South Shields were unable to cope. The brave decision paid off further when our two other substitutes MJ Monaghan and Kyle Sambor scored goals in the 90th and the 93rd minutes to silence a huge crowd of just under 2,000. Carl’s decision was brave and born out of knowledge and tactical skill. It was not luck. He also took a calculated risk keeping with two forwards and it came off. An eminent historian once said of Confederate General Robert E Lee “Lee took long chances. If you take long chances and they come off, it makes you brilliant!” I applaud Carl, Gary and everyone involved. We are lucky to have the longest serving management team in the Division. Quite possibly the league!
On finance, the last two weeks of December and January is normally a difficult period for clubs financially but because of our cash reserves we have been able to discharge our do’s and demands on an up to date basis. The social club has had minimal functions during this time, but these have now recommenced. It follows that we needed to dip into some of our capital savings to tide us over. However, our financial position remains strong.
On the sponsorship side we are currently in discussion with two other companies and between 31 July and 2 August we will be hosting a Bikers and Bands weekend which like the Rock festival at the end of August we know will prove to be a monumental success. Our average attendance is 376 which is 25% up on last season and holding its own. Many thanks for those of you who are giving support to the team through thick and thin. It makes a difference.
Our under 21s under Terry Smith and James Kane enjoyed two excellent wins under their new management against South Knowsley and City of Liverpool. Our youth team are not faring quite so well as they need numbers to bolster the squad. The problem is that the whole ethos of the club is moving players upwards. Indeed, youth team captain Billy Jones scored his first goal for the under 21s on Sunday. It is all about progression! Witton Albion Elite is on hold for a brief period due to the inclement weather and in view of the large demand and the huge planning required. We hope to be able to revert in this respect over the next 14 days.
In February we will be hosting an evening of gratitude for all volunteers and 60 club members to say thank you on behalf of the football club. The date fixed is the 27th February and all in attendance will be treated to a fish and chip supper and entertainment at the club’s expense. We cannot hope to run the club in the professional and dutiful way that we way we do without you. Many thanks to all!
John.
John Salmon
Chairman - Witton Albion.