Norton Athletic Football Club
Message from the Chairman, July 2009
To all Players and Supporters of Norton Athletic.
A note to everyone following the recent AGM and subsequent developments.
The AGM confirmed that for season 2009/10, Nigel Woodcock would continue to manage the Reserves, Scott Yarham the Sunday team, and that David Haines would be joined by Nigel Hudson in managing the Veterans. The new management of the first team was resolved a few weeks later when it was confirmed by the Committee that Scott and Steve Hak would jointly manage.
So my congratulations on behalf of the Club, to Scott and Hak: I’m sure all players will support this resolution and we all look forward to the new season under this management team. After 5 years of excellence under Nigel Hudson management, it will be a hard act to follow, but I know they are up to the challenge. A major philosophy of the club is to encourage continuity by retention of players and officials, so these appointments achieve that goal. Let’s hope we score many others!
The Committee was also pleased to accept the continuing management commitments of Woody, Scott and Dave/Nigel.
A particular aspect the Committee wants to encourage is of improved interaction between the Saturday teams, where increased contact between Saturday managers in team selections, and increasing the crossover potential for players between these teams.
I would like to welcome every new player who is joining the club for the forthcoming season.
Training has commenced on Thursday evenings, so could all players please take part if you possibly can. Training is very important to gain match fitness and to hone the footballing skills for the weekend.
Also, for those who have not yet done so, please let Scott have your signing-on fees as soon as possible and in particular please make sure any outstanding dues are fully paid. Please note that the Committee agreed to hold the signing-on and match fees at the existing levels in recognition of the difficult financial climate. Please ensure that you bring your match fees to each game, as chasing outstanding money owed from players is a hassle that you’re Manager and Treasurer can do without.
The club’s medium term aim is to raise sufficient funds to enable us to seek grants to construct new, permanent changing facilities at the ground. We have a way to go yet, but the fund grows year on year, and I would appeal to every player to take full part in our fund-raising activities, which include the 100 Club, the race night and Easter raffle. These efforts are made to bring benefit to you, the club’s players, and the rate at which the fund grows is down to you. So please, everyone, do your bit! Scott reminds me that the 100 Club annual fees are now due, so please let him have your dosh.
I look forward to further success for Norton Athletic FC in the forthcoming season.
Julian Walker
Chairman