End of season update
Steve Easterbrook gives his thoughts on the season and provides an update on other aspects of the club
As we continue to try to push on and move the club forward I would like to thank everyone who volunteers and forgoes their time to help run this club. Steve Easterbrook With the season now almost complete for both the First Team and the Under 18s I thought I would like to share my thoughts with regard to last season and perhaps more importantly outline what we are hoping to achieve going forwards.
Having held the first or second spot for most of the season I really did think that we would finally win promotion this year - unfortunately for the third time in succession we again failed to do so. Whilst hugely disappointing I do view last season as another step forward and know that both management and club will be working as hard as possible to go one step further this season.
Whilst writing this the under 18s have also unfortunately narrowly missed out on winning the Allied Counties Premier Division. They have however had another strong season in the top division playing some great football against some formidable opposition.
The clubs focus now needs to be on the future and next season and as many of you know we are currently working hard on a number of things which we believe will help shape the future of the club.
The new ground is progressing. We were by now hoping to have submitted a full planning application however (as usual) there has been a number of (final) points that require addressing. I am confident that these will be resolved shortly after which the planning application will be submitted - the council then have up to six months to determine it.
As previously reported the club has been working on the introduction of a football academy, offering full time education to 16 – 18 year olds. A number of trials have been held at Farnham Park and we are hopeful that this academy will be operational commencing September this year. It will be based at Farnham Park and games will be played on Wednesday afternoons.
The club has also decided to look to introducing a reserve team, which will provide a link/stepping stone for Under 18’s and potential academy players into the first team. This reserve team will play at Farnham Park, be managed by Mark Betts and will allow us to work with and progress players from the U18 teams.
Lakes are continuing their shirt sponsorship and so it has been decided to keep the current first team shirts for another season and these shirts will be worn for home and away games. With the addition of two new teams the club are currently reviewing whether to change the away/change kit.
Revenue generation for the club remains a top priority and as we go into the new season I would urge every supporter to join the 500 club - and if you are already a member perhaps consider taking out additional shares. I cannot emphasise enough the HUGE difference each additional share makes to the running of the club. We are also looking for people to promote the 500 club outside of the football club and if you know of ways that you might be able to help, it would be greatly appreciated. ANY help with the generation of funds is, as always, a priority.
As we continue to try to push on and move the club forward I would like to thank everyone who volunteers and forgoes their time to help run this club. I am hopeful that the planning application will be submitted soon but whilst we await a return to Slough I hope everyone will understand and appreciate the additional problems being homeless creates. Have a great summer and if you are not a member of the 500 club please join now!