2020/21 season – chairman’s statement

Following on from the recent announcement from the FA that our season has now officially ended I wanted to communicate to the management team, players, fans and sponsors our gratitude in the support and patience you have shown throughout this pandemic.

Although we are massively disappointed that this decision has been taken for the second season running, we believe it’s the correct decision. Over 76% of clubs voted to end early and financially it just wasn’t viable to resume so we move on and we start planning for 2021/22 season. Hopefully with the vaccine roll out gathering pace we can look forward to a future where Covid does not wreak havoc in our communities and our lives and once again come together to enjoy the beautiful game.

To all the committee who give up their time and energy to support the club, I want to say how much appreciated you are, without you Whickham FC does not exist. A special thanks to Lynn Ready who we are so lucky to have and who is – and continues to be – the heartbeat of the club. Long may it continue.

Despite the season ending early I believe progress has been made. On the football side we looked like a team that belonged in this division with players fighting for each other and the badge. Secondly, we have a fairly new committee and it was a great learning curve and this experience that will stand us in good stead moving forward. Off the pitch we are especially proud of our support of FACT where we helped raise over £5000 to support the cancer stricken families through Christmas and helped feed hundreds of families over the school half term. It was really great to see the local community come together and support this project and it was a resounding success.

I think it’s important that we look after our fans and I happy to confirm we will issue a full refund to anyone who purchased a season ticket for 2020/21 season or provide them a half price one for next, any queries on this please direct them to myself at benriley@whickhamfc.com

Finally to the sponsors – I’m sorry we didn’t give you what you paid for and we will more than look after next season with discounts. I will communicate this directly with you in the coming weeks but I would like to personally thank you for your support in a time when it has been extremely difficult for business.

A big thank you goes to – MTREC – FIRST MORTGAGE – FURNITIRE CLINIC – MOVE IN LEGAL – TARGET PROPERTY SERVICES NE – MINCOFFS – THE WOODMAN ARMS – THE MILL HOUSE – GO 2 GROUP – THE LOAN PARTNERSHIP – WHICHAM DENTAL PRACTICE – PRENTECH – ACF BUSINESS SERVICES – SUZANNE GRAHAM EA – JOHN PAUL WEALTH MANAGAMENT – RIGHTBUILD – ECOFLAME – EMPIRE – NICHOLSON NAIRN – SG INTERIORS – LOUIES DEN – LASTING ENHANCEMENTS – CLEAN SWEEP – OLM DIAGNOSTICS – HEATING COMPONENTS – VAUGHAN WASTE MANAGEMENT – WHICKHAM FUNERAL DIRECTORS.

Finally, thanks go to Neil Wilson who continues to support way beyond what is necessary and for that we will always be grateful.