Published: Sunday, August 14th 2011

Chairman's update

Written by Steve Easterbrook

Chairman Steve Easterbrook

Finally and for me what seems a lifetime, I can advise that we now have an agreed detailed timetable for the submission in early December of our planning application for the new ground.

Steve Easterbrook

Good afternoon and a warm welcome back to the start of the 2011/12 season and may I begin by thanking all those supporters who have renewed their season tickets or become season ticket holders for the first time. This season sees us start with over 150 season ticket holders!

I would like to extend best wishes to those players and management who have moved on from last season. One player who will be greatly missed is Jamie Jackson who has been connected with the club for the past twenty years. He has supported and stuck by the club through thick and thin and was certainly a fans favourite. With the development of the club I hope that we see him back in the future.

Welcome to Fred Cummins who following Dave Anderson's departure joins as First Team Assistant Manager / Coach. I would like to thank Dave for his commitment and passion, and the club wishes him success as First Team Manager at Harrow Borough.

Following a very successful season in which the under 18's won the Allied Counties Premier Division, Tony Thompson has unfortunately had to step down as youth team manager. Tony has done a tremendous job and has been with the youth set up for many years however due to a promotion at work Tony felt that he could no longer devote the time required to manage the team.

This season sees the introduction of 13 new youth teams headed up by ex-STFC manager Mark Betts. Mark together with many volunteers has been working tirelessly to ensure that everything is in place for the start of the season. The new youth section is based in great facilities at Farnham Park Sports Fields and if you get a chance please pay them a visit.

The importance of youth football is of paramount importance to Slough Town FC. Not only does it introduce new people to the club but also provides a platform for all ages to play for the youth teams. It also allows for the development of Slough players who will hopefully one day represent the club at first team level.

The club and Beaconsfield SYCOB Football Club would like to thank the many people who have helped to get the ground ready for the new season. Work carried out by Beaconsfield SYCOB FC pre-season includes a new automated pitch water system and new external toilets. The club is also grateful to have a Supporters Trust that works with the club and who play an important role in helping to run the club. We also have many volunteers, without whom the club would not function - thank you all!

Finally and for me what seems a lifetime, I can advise that we now have an agreed detailed timetable for the submission in early December of our planning application for the new ground. A pre-submission programme is in place and the club has appointed a sub committee to assist with design and other matters that will undoubtedly arise. I very much hope that this time next season we will see or start to see our new ground in all its glory!

At this level trying to run and build a club whilst homeless is extremely difficult and I will be the first to admit that as a club we do not get everything right. However, I do feel we have made progress and believe that the next 12 months will be key to the future success of Slough Town FC. There is currently a lot going on and I am conscious that to continue to move forwards we need to continue to strengthen our marketing and promotional initiatives which we are looking into. In the meantime listen out for the club on Time Radio 106.6FM!

Finally and on behalf of the club thank you for your continued support, have a great afternoon and enjoy the season.