A Week of Challenges and Tough Decisions

I hope this week's blog post finds you all well. As Chairman of our beloved club, it's my pleasure to share with you the highs and lows of the past week, which have tested my leadership skills both on and off the pitch.

The week started with a rollercoaster of emotions as our first team faced a disappointing 2-3 loss at home against a well-drilled Eccleshill United side. Simultaneously, our development team also encountered a setback with a 3-1 loss away at Chesterfield Youth. It has been a tough start for both teams, but I firmly believe that these setbacks are just that and we will now start to see both teams push on and once both managers can start to field their strongest elevens it will make such a difference.

Saturday brought a mix of results. Our U18 girls showcased their prowess, thrashing Worksop 7-1 at home on the main pitch. However, our over 35s couldn't replicate their success, falling 0-3 to Askern FC.

As Chairman, I had to make some tough decisions regarding the use of the main pitch this week. While it wasn't a popular choice among some of my fellow committee members, fixture changes and a poor attendance during the first team's game due to inclement weather posed financial challenges. To address this, I allowed the U18s and over 35s to use the main pitch with free entry, hoping to boost revenue from clubhouse and food sales. It turned out to be a great decision, demonstrating the necessity of making tough calls in my role of which I am not affraid to make.

Sunday saw our ladies in action in the County cup, where they valiantly faced a formidable opponent in Haworth and turned in a brilliant performance delivering a real cup upset thanks to two-goals from Sevin Azimi.

Away from the field, Monday was dedicated to evaluating our stock situation in preparation for the First team game on Tuesday.

Tuesday arrived, bringing its own set of challenges with a late delivery of our printed match day programs, causing me a bit of stress. Thankfully, they arrived just an hour before kick-off, and all ended well.

On Wednesday, I had an insightful conversation with our first team manager. We acknowledged that our results have been a bit inconsistent, but with the addition of new players and several of our injured players making their way back, we are confident that the team can regain momentum and push forward.

Thursday provided a welcome break as I enjoyed a coffee catch-up with some of our dedicated volunteers during my lunch break. Additionally, I met with a local scaffolding company, which has agreed to build a media tower at the ground. My role as Chairman involves thinking ahead and seeking new partnerships to keep building momentum.

Friday was filled with more discussions, including a face-to-face meeting with the first team manager regarding a potential new project, which I alluded to in my previous post but cannot yet share publicly. It's an exciting development that we're eager to reveal when the time is right.

Friday also allowed me to attend the Development team's game, and on Saturday, I was at the club early to assist with setup and watch both the U18s and over 35s in action.

Sunday concluded the week with me attending our ladies' game away at Haworth in the cup.

Looking ahead, my schedule is packed with commitments. I'll be attending the first team's away game at Golcar on Tuesday evening, and I plan to join the players during Thursday's training session and to ensure the medical team is paid. Then the weekend holds an exciting FA Vase game, also away at Bottlesford, a match we're determined to win and secure a good cup run.

As always, my inbox will no doubt also be filled with club business and matters requiring my attention.

Finally your support is invaluable, so please continue to like, share, and comment and thank you for reading my upadtes.