Page 4 - Ashton & Backwell FC v Torpoint Athletic 290423

Beech’s Bench Talk
Farewell to the Lancer Scott Stadum

It has been 11 days since decisions at the club were made public. If you
don’t know I am standing down as chairman of Ashton Backwell football
club and will be leaving the club. As a consequence the remaining
committee made a pragmatic and realistic decision to take the Club out of
the Western League and next season to run just one team in the Somerset
County League.
Everyone who knows me, appreciate how much this club means to me and
has a special place in my family. So it was a very, very, difficult decision to
inform Matt Southern that I needed to leave. The Amount of work required
to run a club in the Western league is beyond the 5 of us. As a result it was
interfering with my business, beginning to stress me, and I would take that
home which is unfair. After all this is supposed to be our hobby. I made
approaches to various people outside the club for help, but no one wants
to give up their time. We had an advert running in the program since September asking for support
or help. I didn’t get a single reply. Unfortunately it’s a sign of the times in local football. I have found
out in the last 2 weeks there are a number of clubs suffering with the same problem. This is not
having a go at anybody reading this.
In 2010 we came here with a group of teenagers from Ashton Boys and created the best player
pathway in the Western league. Many of whom are still with the club, please see the record
appearances on a separate page. After 32 years in local football, 13 of which have been at Ashton
Backwell, I think I’ve done my bit.
I’ve been overwhelmed by kind messages from people in the football world or associated with this
club over the last 13 years. At this point, I would like to say thank you to a few people.
Matt Southern, as vice chairman has done so much, a lot unseen, and is the person who got us
here in the 1st place. To Beech, Ryan, Billy and the players who in the last 11 days has made a
commitment to see the season out and give 110% when others may have found it easier just to
walk away and say that somebody else’s problem, so thank you. I hope you enjoy your last game
today. I’m sorry it’s got to finish this way as you will say you have unfinished business. I wish you
well wherever you play your football next year.
A massive thank you to our longest serving sponsors, Steve Price and Gary Sollers @ Lancer Scott
Ltd, Jeff Flicker @ Ashton Glass Ltd. Matt Southern @ SMG Screeding Ltd,
Kev Greenwood @ Acorn Tarmac ltd plus all the other sponsors who have helped us out over the
last 13 years.
Charlie Cole, you’ve been simply amazing as our best secretary and highly respected in the Western
league along with Charlie Dando, helping out. Sue and Julie in the kitchen.
To manage a football club at this level you have to give up so much of your time and sacrifice family
time, I admire you & very grateful for what Beech, Ryan and Billy have done, along with previous
managers, Stu Jones, Andy Hawkins, Coomber, Paul Waring, Rich Ford and Shane Smith. I totally
admire all of you. A special mention for Nick Smart and Mike Radnedge to run the reserves for the
last seven years, managing a reserve side is even harder. All the supporters, player’s parents and
all the players from the last 13 years.
Thank you guys.
Finally words cannot express just how much support my wife Julie has given me during this time,
she has been an absolute rock, fantastic. Times when it stressed me out, I’ve been at home in a
mood, and Julie has just got on with it. We were all lying in the Sun on abroad, God knows how
many years ago, when Julie looked to Caron Coombes, and said I suppose we better help out in
the kitchen. So it’s now time for Julie to have a break as well. I have to admit this is one of the
most emotional times in my life. I hope we can have a beer in the bar after the game and look
forward to next Saturday’s presentation @ the Bristol City FC ground organised by Tom Press and
Lewis Coombes.
The future? I will continue to look after the pitch at the Lancer Scott Stadium and I look forward to
watching Sam play football next season wherever that may be, and hopefully crossing paths &
sharing a drink with familiar faces.
Thank you all for your support, putting up with me and hopefully for reading this.
Up the stags
Mike, ex-Chairman