From the Chairman - Bryan Sams

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Well it’s getting close to the start of another season at Cottons Park and as Chairman let me say that I look forward to welcoming you all to the Park. Your support in whatever role is yours be it playing staff, VP, committee member or just a supporter down for a beer is important to the club so please continue to come along.

We managed to scrape through last season and stayed in London NE3 with the last kick of the game against Upminster. Those of you that watched that game must, like me, hope the boys can start off with such determination and vigour as they showed on that day. It was definately the best display of the season. Our near downfall for last season was of our own making when we had the five points deducted and hopefully I can make sure that it does not happen again.

There appears to be a willing committee on board and I will as Chairman try to ensure that each member of the committee does what he is supposed to do. As with all committees it does tend to get left to the usual suspects to do everything but by spreading out the load hopefully we can make things work a bit more professionally this season. There has been far too much of a “leave it to him or we will do that next week “attitude. I can assure you that I will be a hands on Chairman and continue to do my share.

We are in an unfortunate position where we dont tend to fall in for grants for this and grants for that so we do need to get as many sponsors on board as we can. At the same time we also need to increase player numbers of all capabilities and increase the number of VPs. Another must do for the season will be the re-introduction of social evenings in the bar. At the end of the day it is the money that

goes over the bar that keeps the club going so let’s have lots of drink up and be merry times.

Our first priorities for the season are the showers and changing rooms which are in an awful condition. The council are checking estimates for the plumbing to be done and once completed we will be looking for work parties to help out with the decorating. We need to be proud of our facilities when we have visiting teams. We may not have a lot but let’s make the most of what we have got.

Secondly we must get the posts erected on the 2nd XVs pitch. They got the rough end of the stick last season when our landlords cut down the posts and on occasions were forced to play their games away from Cottons Park.

Well that’s enough waffle from me so I will conclude with wishing Steve CANNY and Rich TUCKER and their players all the best for the coming season as well as our coaching staff.

Good Luck to you all and I look forward to seeing you in the near future.

Please continue to give us your support.

Regards

Samsy