Without doubt the best thing we’ve done this season is to improve the facilities at ‘the rec’ so that our 1st team can play their games back at Wrington. Whilst many of our diehards continued to watch our games at The Everyone Active Stadium at Clevedon it wasn’t practical for everyone so its really good to be back where we belong in the heart of the village. A big thank you is due to all those who worked tirelessly to make this happen especially Trev’ Cleeves, Bill Gough, StevePorter and Bully.
On the playing side there was much uncertainty and nervousness during pre-season training, having lost last season’s 1st team management team we struggled to find suitable replacements. The committee and anybody who cares about Wrington Redhill were delighted when club favourite Graham ‘Chopper’ Cheeseman got a taste for management and decided to take control. With the help of Nick Faiers he’s managed to form a more than decent squad who work together and run their socks off for each other. Chop’ said when he first took over ‘if you’ve got Whitey, Row the boat, Bradders, Johnno and Clemo in the side you’re always going to have a chance’. Now with some brilliant new signings including Sam Johnson’s brother Ethan and Clemo’s brother Ollie he’s built himself a squad with a great blend of youth and experience that’s easily good enough to hold their own in the Premier division. He’s also managed to promote some players who’d previously settled for life in the reserves an brought the best out of them so that they’ve become an important part of his plans. Regrettably some of our reserves have been less keen to help in this way.
The reserves run by Mike Clements and Phil Williams have had a difficult season so far mostly because their pool of talent has been somewhat diminished by the call from the 1st team but things are improving game on game. The A team would probably benefit from playing in a lower division having been promoted last season by default but managers James Marshall and Jon Marsh report that they have a happy bunch of lads who enjoy their football.
Off the pitch Chairman ‘Finchey’ continues to lead from the front when it comes to fundraising, he managed to sell more Christmas Raffle tickets than any one team and the legendary meat draw is thankfully back in place bringing much needed funds. Chopper’s Triathlon that took place in May was a huge success, certainly financially and indeed all those taking part or watching seemed to have a day to remember. It is hoped that this will be repeated this year.
We can’t really begin to speak about how this club is funded without mentioning our sponsors, their generosity means we can do things properly and always look the part both on the pitch and when we turn up to play. All 3 teams now play in kit sponsored by Marco Pierre White and all the players arrive on match days in track suits and polos sponsored by ‘The Club & Spa’. There are many other companies who contribute to our running costs including match day, player and banner sponsors, a list of these can be found on our website wringtonfc.co.uk
There is much to look forward to in the coming year not least the planned celebration to mark 50 years service to the club of our President Alan Garrett. Alan first played for the club as a skinny 15 year old in 1967 and has gone on to serve 50+ active years as player, manager, treasurer and president. Alan being Alan he didn’t want a fuss made so we’re planning an informal gathering that anyone he’s every played alongside will be invited to come along for a drink and a sausage roll.
Happy New Year to everyone with this club at heart. UTR!