This year we wave cheerio to a number of well known characters who are taking a (temporary?) rest.  Match Secretary Joe Cox has decided to ensconce himself in domestic bliss and will therefore be handing in his SAL result sheets and referee report cards.  As a fellow Brummie, I would like to thank Joe both for his co-ordinating skills over recent years and the fact that he has (at least in public) avoided any gloating over the Baggies slide to the Nationwide.

I would also like to offer my thanks to both Tracey and Graham Polly for their immense contribution to the Club over recent years.  Tracey, I’m sure, will continue to be a prominent figure at the Club and has already volunteered to organise this season’s Club Dinner.  Graham will no doubt still have his hands full in relation to the running of the Youth Section.

We must also bid farewell to the Web Meister.  After a number of seasons spent bashing away at his keyboard Mr Geddes has stated he needs a rest and therefore decided to run a youth team……..Bizarre!  In addition John Thoroughgood has also stepped down as Club President to pursue the more sedate role of General Secretary (if nominated and seconded of course).  I would like to thank John for his assured handling of all Club matters and the pragmatic solutions he finds to the problems that invariably arise.

I trust that we will be able to welcome some new faces to the General Committee so that the good work carried out by those involved will be maintained

In my address last year I indicated the General Committee would be focusing on two aspects of the Club’s operation, notably discipline and selection procedure.  With regard to the former it is disappointing to report that we again exceeded Stage 2 of the AFA disciplinary code.  We were therefore asked to attend a further hearing to explain ourselves.  The outcome has been another financial penalty and continuing close scrutiny by the AFA.  You will therefore appreciate that the General Committee must once again debate how this aspect of the Club’s operation can be improved.

In relation to the selection policy then I believe improvements were made on the experience of more recent seasons.  This is largely due to the efforts of Trevor Boughton who has attempted to robustly enforce the Club’s policy.  Thanks must go to Trevor for the hard work he has put into this demanding role.  I trust that our new skippers will give Trevor the support he needs to make our policy work as efficiently as possible.

In relation to the Club’s finances I am pleased to report another healthy set of accounts.  This will, of course, help us to meet the various items of expenditure that will undoubtedly arise during the coming season.

I mentioned earlier that Buzz has decided to seek rest and recuperation by running a youth side.  This coincides with the establishment of a proper framework for the operation of our youth set up.  Placed before you at the AGM will be a proposal to formally incorporate this framework within the rules of the Club.  I trust it will meet with your approval.

Finally, as we begin to contemplate the coming season I would like to give notice that this will be my final stint as Chairman.  The Turner family are expecting a new addition to its’ ranks in November and frankly it’s time for a break (although it will hardly represent weeks of R & R!).

See you in October

 Adrian Turner
Club Chairman