As we look back on 2015 with mixed emotions I ask everyone involved to share with me the enormous pride for the achievements the club is continuing to achieve on an off the pitch.

Gary, his staff, the players and supporters have all been magnificent and I’m proud to be your Chairman, we cannot deny on the pitch it has proved to be a hard start to this season and using the excuse that geographically we struggle to attract players is something that has proved difficult recently to use following the positive steps taking by Tom Ranger/ John Easterford (Concord – Conference South) and Jake Gordon (Chelmsford City – Conference South) making great steps to progress and again supports the philosophy we are trying to push within the Club.

Recently I have received comments from some quarters regarding my enthusiasm for supporting Youth progression and whether I am struggling to be the Chairman, so if I may I would like to take each point on its own merit.

We should all realise that the progression is not a given and shouldn’t come automatically to those wanting it but should be earned and if those who want it should work hard and listen to those who are best to advise on this then the right to play higher competitive football can occur.

We have seen the emergence of some excellent young talent in the club, guided and nurtured by an excellent management and coaching staff who are still building their knowledge and expertise day by day, but I disagree that Youth should be deemed unnecessary!

Being Chairman isn’t something to be taken lightly by anybody and shouldn't be assumed to be a non-working title or in the hope others are about to do everything! I always said a Chairman should know something about everything in the club but not everything about everything and be hands on when called upon, so whether it’s accounts/ pitch maintenance/ brewery/ admin/ media/ youth/ gateman etc. you need to appreciate that these are all important aspects in making the club what it is and in the hope that it can become the club it wants and at this moment in time I believe I am the right person for this and would be the first person to say if I felt otherwise.

Onto last year’s New Year’s Eve notes I made some claims on what I hope would happen and have listed the following and perhaps I should give an update on what has happened so far: -

• First team to grow strength to strength within the Ryman Set up – Well the 2nd half of the season (2014/15) we consolidated and the even though the 1st half of this season has been undulating to say the least which is partly due to injuries and unnecessary suspensions but I believe the team spirit is strong to attack the New Year with renewed vigour!
• Clubs 2nd team, consideration to be considered on how best to advance the squad to the betterment of the 1st team – we did this by withdrawing from the Essex Senior Reserve League and joining a stronger Ryman U21’s league
• Alliance, at present we have U14/16' & 18's and will look to have 14/15/16' & 18's next season – Afraid the 4 teams didn’t occur, not for lack of enthusiasm or willingness on our part but can be put down to the old saying “that’s football!”
• And who knows perhaps the club can look to expand its vision of football beyond that of Male Adult teams! This was done with the welcome additional of Great Wakering Rovers Ladies who have also experienced some indifferent results in a higher league but the enthusiasm & spirit of the Ladies and its Management has been one of the bright Star's in the club’s year so far!

So targets for next Season, and afraid not all football pitch based: -
• Stability of all teams within the club.
• Review training facilities for all teams within the club.
• Complete Parish Council agreement in respect of the Ground.
• Seek a higher level FA Chartered Standard award.

So we begin 2016 with fresh hope for an upturn in fortunes after a difficult run of results on the pitch.

We have made strides off the pitch with a growth in the number of season ticket holders at this level, and I still get comments from people surprised that Great Wakering Rovers have a Season ticket policy! But why be surprised we have and will always be a friendly community club with a name for good hospitality and long may that continue.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our hardworking committee members and the help and support of skilled volunteers, who have contributed heavily to all manner of activates, especially the Bar/ Kitchen Ladies who have proved to be a major asset to the club as well as those conducting maintenance around the stadium on a regular basis. This is a club where its supporters are prepared to go above and beyond the call of duty for the common good, which remains something to be immensely proud of.

Finally, I’d like to thank you all for your on going support and commitment to Great Wakering Rovers and with fixtures in January looking to be as challenging as those of December. Your continued support and the expense that you incur to get behind the team is most appreciated, so I thank you personally for this.

In order to grow in 2016, we will always be on the lookout for new initiatives to boost the fan base/ commercial aspects and engage with more and more people, but those of you who have stayed with us over the years and continue to back us are hugely appreciated and we will do everything we can to give you more reasons to cheer about.

Happy New Year to you all, and here’s to a prosperous 2016.

Tony Butcher
Chairman