A New Year’s Message From The Chairman

Satisfied with 2017

Happy New Year! I really do hope it’s a happy and fulfilling one for you AND for Mickleover Sports Football Club.

Looking back at a satisfying 2017, I’d like to firstly congratulate manager John McGrath. John led us to our greatest ever points haul in the Northern League Premier Division in 2016-17, and I’m hoping we’ll top that this season. He’s never lost faith in playing quality, entertaining, football. Although adherence to that can sometimes open the door for an opposition break away, John has put together a strong defence to back up what must be close to the best midfield in the division and our forward options. One of the biggest challenges for a manager at our level is the fact that whenever a player shines brightly, he’s liable to be plucked by a bigger club. It’s filling those sudden holes that is the mark of a good manager.

Meanwhile as a club, we’ve lived within our resources, as we have no wish to saddle future committees with unsustainable debt. It happens at this level, either with a rich benefactor who suddenly loses interest, or a gamble on reaching a higher level to make a debt manageable. We choose to try and expand the financial base within the club. And the off field team knocked it out of the park with the Hot August Night event. More than 3,500 people enjoyed the day/night in 2017 and we’re doing it again this year, bigger and better, on August 5th.

Our fireworks evening was a great show and a great success, .. it’s fair to say it went off with a bang! I was also delighted with our Christmas dinner with over 370 people present. Maybe we can issue a video of next year’s event (as long as we can bleep the swearing)!

And we’ve signed our new lease for a 30 year tenure at this ground. That means the other more grandiose plans we’ve had on the back burner can be brought forward now.

All in all I’m loving my time as Chairman, although I wasn’t so sure coming in! I think it’s down to the marvellous volunteers, staff, committee members and of course the players and coaching staff. I’d like to think the supporters are enjoying it too. There can’t be too many clubs at our level where you can enjoy a drink and a chat with living legends like Clinton Morrison and Pablo Mills after the game!

Our influential committee man Keith Loring overcame a bout of ill health to help drive through much of the important developments. Keith, you’re an inspiration!

So we welcome 2018 with hope, and also with a determination to keep driving forward. Ane whether you’re on the committee, coaching, playing, volunteering or you’re a fan of our club, it IS ours! Let’s take it forward together.

God bless you, I hope 2018 brings you all you hope for.

Go Sports!

Don Amott

 

 

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