Another three months have passed and so far in 2022, it has been nothing but positive!
Player availability has been a marked improvement since the turn of the year. Thank you to all of you for making yourselves available for selection, which makes Chris, Josh, Ben and VDM’s jobs so much easier.
Simon and I, met with Chris, Josh, and Ben in March to discuss future plans for next season and beyond. Again, the chat was incredibly positive and whilst some of the discussion points may not happen overnight, it was great to be able to receive a fresh outlook from the guys and the plans we hope to move forward with. More on this through the summer months.
Training
Training numbers at Carterton have dwindled over the weeks. We are reviewing where we book winter training for next season. It’s proving increasingly hard to make use of the military facilities for obvious reasons, but we will arrange for somewhere in the coming weeks.
Chris, Josh, and Ben will continue to have sessions through the close season on Tuesday nights until pre-season officially kicks in. They will keep you all informed of start times at Tucker Park.
Memberships & Fines
Everyone who is playing regularly and still with the club has paid the relevant membership fee. Thank you! Can those that still owe fines for yellow & red cards, please make the necessary payment in cash or card with the guys behind the bar, before the season finishes.
Changing Rooms & Clubhouse
The changing rooms are almost there!
We have some finer details to complete, and we will be looking for volunteers to help with giving them a fresh lick of paint in the not-too-distant future. All help with for gratefully accepted.
You will no doubt have seen the excellent new patio, which is due to complete in the coming weeks. It has taken a tremendous amount of hard work and funding to have this excellent first step of the clubhouse modernisation. Future works to be completed are new windows and bi-fold doors, the walls to the old changing by the gent’s toilet will be brought down to extend the clubhouse area. Plus, the toilets will be updated, whilst the kitchen is extended (blockwork completed) and finally the bar will be moved.
Football
B Team
Well done to Ben and his B Team squad on their fourth position in Witney & District Division Four. A great achievement alongside the fact the side completed 100% of their league fixtures, whilst others in the same division and above have had to forfeit games and points, due to lack of players.
A Team
Congratulations to Josh and the A-Team on gaining the Witney & District Division Three title. With one game to go, they may get the ‘Invincibles’ tag (fingers crossed).
They were also unlucky in the semi-final of the Fred Ford Cup last month. Playing against Enstone Sports from three leagues higher, the side weathered the opening onslaught and fought their way back into the match, losing 2-1. They are still in The Hughes Supplementary Cup quarter-final, the game with Witney Royals Reserves is due to take place at Tucker Park on Saturday 16th April 2022 – 1.30 pm ko.
1st Team
Chris and the squad have been highly competitive since the New Year with three wins, two draws and four defeats in league and cup fixtures. Of those defeats, three were by the odd goal and so the lads are proving that they have the ability, if only lacking the goals. Chris is confident that if the lads stick together, with the addition of one or two extra bodies, there is no reason the side cannot be in the upper half of the division in the 2022-2023 season.
Three more league fixtures remain for the 1sts, with a midweek trip to Wantage Town Devs on Tuesday 12th April at 7.45 pm ko. Their next fixture is a cup tie this Saturday at Tucker Park, with Thame United A the visitors, 3.00 pm ko.
So, overall, a lot to be positive around the club and we hope to be able to announce some big news about our playing facilities over the summer months also. Meetings are taking place behind the scenes, but no guarantees currently.
And finally, the End of Season Presentation Night is to be held at the clubhouse for all four senior sides on Saturday 4th June 2022. Full details to follow………put the date on your calendar!
As I have said previously if you need to speak to me about any of the above or something else regarding the senior setup etc. Please just ask!
Cheers
Martin Harries
Head of Senior Football
Faringdon Town FC
