Page 31 - Tuffley Rovers FCX9

With thanks…

As this is our final home game of the 2017/18 playing season, I’d like to take the
opportunity to thank everyone who has supported the club, whether home or away,
throughout the course of the year. There are many positives to take from a long, hard
season and I would prefer to focus on them. A second successive top-ten finish is
secured and that is something to be proud of.
So, first, thank you to Pritch, Sheriff and all of the squad who have contributed to this
achievement. When our current management team took over, at the start of the 2016/17
season, we had just avoided relegation on administrative grounds (only three teams
were relegated, rather than four), as other teams didn’t meet the ground grading
requirements, and they brought a renewed energy and enthusiasm to the first team
picture, both on and off the field.
Thanks also to Coke Craddock, for all his help with the pitch last summer, and to
everyone who has attended to support those days when we realise a bit of a tidy-up is
required.
Our major sponsors, JMJ, Altripan and A&R Light Haulage all deserve recognition, as
do a new supporter, Severn Signs, who have donated almost every new sign at the
ground. Billy and Vaughan have also been regular match-day supporters, with Billy
making the trip to a number of away grounds in support of the team. All of the companies
mentioned have connections in the area and I would urge you to support them,
whenever you can. Jamie at JMJ, in particular, has been a fantastic supporter of our
ground improvement programme and I will forever be in his debt.
Off the field, Pat Tobin and Mark Troke have helped me on almost all first team match
days, whilst Keith Wallington has been immense, whether fulfilling duties as our tannoy
announcer, physio, kit man or in all the duties he provides support with. Letitia and
Hayley Foxwell have been wonderful supporters of the club, covering serving duties
behind the bar for all our reserve team games, whilst providing other support whenever
they have been able. Also, thank you to Kim Gillespie, who has either covered as physio
or arranged cover, since we lost Samantha Coleman as our therapist earlier this season.
I could go on and on, but there are other times and places where I will exercise that
opportunity.
Last but not least, I have to thank my wife (and our match-day host, in the kitchen),
Sonia and my daughter, Jess. Without their help, love and support, none of this would
be possible. They are the two people who have stuck with me throughout a difficult
year, spending hours and hours at the ground, either cleaning kits, tidying changing
rooms or preparing food. Sonia has also planned and overseen the changes to our
hospitality arrangements, an astonishing level of commitment for someone who has no
past interest in football at all.
Whatever the result today and on Saturday, when we visit Bracknell Town, there is
plenty to be satisfied with over the past year. The FA Cup win at Leighton Town will
live long in my memory (and is probably my personal highlight) – if you were there, I’m
sure you’ll understand!
Neil #uptherovers