Thanks for the memories

So after all the planning, all the anticipation, all the talk we are left with the memories – plenty of them and almost all good ones.

The Leeds game proved everything we hoped it would be, a great opportunity to showcase Wealdstone, Grosvenor Vale and the Social Club in front of a four figure crowd, the police, the council, the press etc.  And we rose to the challenge.  So many people deserve to be thanked but in particular Fingers and Ray Kemp who both marshalled their willing band of volunteers expertly.

And let’s not forget the squad of players who helped make it a night to remember for the Wealdstone people in the ground, not only by winning, but also with the quality of some of the football, particularly in the second half.

Hopefully the last two games will mean that some Watford and southern based Leeds fans will come back.  I certainly spoke to a number of Leeds fans who were impressed by our welcome and I think (hope) they will return.

Now we can put the ‘big’ games behind us and start preparing for the season, which starts in under 4 weeks.  And for those suitably enthused, we are doing a Leeds United on Saturday sending one 1st team squad to AFC Hayes and another to Enfield Town.

A final word to Jermaine.  I think he enjoyed coming back, he seemed happy, couldn’t sign enough autographs or pose for enough pictures and he generally seemed to go around with a smile on his face.  Whatever happens to him in the future he will always retain a special place in Wealdstone hearts.

100:400 latest

Unfortunately this article didn’t make it into the Watford programme (great effort Adam by the way) but I am assured it will be in the Leeds issue.  Anyhow I thought I would reproduce it here, the latest news on our 100:400 drive.

100:400 update

Through the summer our 100:400 fund has been creeping up to the point where we are in touching distance of our goal, of raising £40,000 – money which will go directly to the playing budget.

At the time of writing we have had just a fraction under 95% of the total pledged, which equates to just under £38,000.  So we are very close.

This means two things.  First we now need to start turning the pledges into money.  Already about £15,000 has been collected but please it will help enormously if people can come forward to make their donations.

Secondly, whilst achieving the £40,000 mark will be a great result and a wonderful boost for everyone we won’t stop there and will look to carry on to make the fund as big as we can – so we can channel more funds into the playing budget.

Please don’t wait to be asked – come forward and contribute – it does directly influence what you will see on the park this season.

We are doing all we can through our commercial operation and through all other means to bring new funds into the Club but your individual contributions help no matter how big or small.  Remember 100:400 was set up to encourage 100 people to donate £400.  But we will accept donations of whatever level, whether £400, more or less.  It all helps and we are very grateful to everyone who has contributed.

Thanks for your continued support

Congratulations Gordon

Not much that needs to be added to what was said yesterday, but it was a fitting way to celebrate Gordon’s immense contribution to our Club.

It was great to see Jackie and Gordon’s parents at the game and I think the guard of honour from both sets of players before the game was very fitting.  I understand that when Gordon said he didn’t want it the players decided it had to be done.

A reasonable crowd, the sun shining and I know that, most importantly, Gordon thoroughly enjoyed the day – and he was encouraged by what he saw on the pitch.

14 years as manager is quite something, and we haven’t forgotten Leo either, our intention is that he will celebrate his testimonial season in 12 months time.

Haven’t gone away

An apology for being quiet on here recently.  No reason – just busy, will try and keep updating regularly.

As always plenty going on.  Notwithstanding the two big games (Watford and Leeds) we are preparing for the new season on and off the pitch.

The board meeting last week had a long agenda and there was plenty that we didn’t get round to discussing.  We will make some announcements soon on our sponsorship arrangements for this season, and also there are some exciting plans being discuss for the Grosvenor Vale site which no doubt will be made public soon enough.

One other thing we have kicked off is something I am describing as a strategic review for the Club.  This entails a full review of our priorities and how we are placed to deal with these priorities.  We are planning a full round of consultation so more about this later in the year.

Oh, and the football is starting too…