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29th June 2003

John Thoroughgood's Final Presidential Address

Dear Members,

As I sit here 48 hours before this year's AGM and with my term of office as Club President coming to an end, my emotions are fairly mixed.  It is unfortunate that after only a 3 year term I feel the need to stand down.  Living in Horley and working in Rickmansworth is not ideal in trying to help run a club in Carshalton.  It has been an honour and a privilege to have been thought worthy of being Club President of such a great club.  I think its fair to say that over the last 3 years the club has been as well run as at any other time and I would like to thank all Committee members who have served on the General Committee over the last 3 years for all their hard work.  Without them we would not have the benefits of the club that we can all enjoy today.

On the playing side this year it was disappointing that the 1s were unable to make a quick return to the 1st Division.  I would like to thank Paul Gunter for all his efforts.  The 2s missed out on promotion despite being well run by Tony Edwards, having taken over the reigns from Charlie Sinclair.  The 3s early form become rather inconsistent as the season went on and they dropped too many points late on.  The 4s were well run by Danny Glenister in his first season as captain, finishing in the top half  of Division 1 and winning the SAL Cup.  The 5s were again well run by Martin Head.  I know as much about the 6s as they probably do about us.  Having said that, Matt Osbourne did well to retain the SAL Cup and to complete the season as skipper whilst his so-called mates took advantage of his good nature.  The 7s, who finished below our 8s were run by Raaz Roberts and Daniel Gazzelloni who decided to have their own end of season presentation night using the club's match fee to pay for the trophies.  Perhaps like the 6s they need to understand there is a bigger picture.  The 8s were well run again and as usual by Pete Taylor.  I played for the 8s late on this year and was pleasantly surprised by the standard of football - very enjoyable.  Finally the Vets again were well looked after by Jim Finn.

The season was completed by our trip to Montreuil-Bellay, which was a great success as Simon Clare's report highlights.  Well, next season I will be El General Secretary (if elected) because no other bugger wants to do it!!

I would like to wish my successor an enjoyable term of office and perhaps one day I may sign off again as El Presidente.

Have a good summer all  

 John Thoroughgood
El Presidente