The government’s recent introduction of a Tier 4, which now covers the south east, and subsequent updated Covid-19 guidance has brought an end to “non-elite” adult football for the time being. As we reach a very different festive season at the end of a challenging year, we would like to share a few thoughts with everyone.

A Christmas message from the first team manager, Lloyd Blackman
Well, what a crazy year 2020 has been. Not in a million years could anyone have expected such a difficult time. It seems that things may get even tougher before they get better but with news of a vaccine in the new year it gives us all hope that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

Rewinding back to when we heard the news of the second national lockdown in November everything pretty much came to a standstill. New FA guidelines about when and how we could train were reviewed as well as league Zoom calls discussing potential restart dates. Some teams were in Tier 2 whilst lots were in Tier 3....it all became very messy. There were so many hurdles to jump over and I personally believe the league made the right decision in suspending the season until things ease and we are all safe to return.

Our obvious thoughts now as a club are to prepare for a resumption...whenever that will be. Tireless work behind the scenes is all the motivation I need to ready the players for the new year. I and the staff have set them three different workouts to be completed weekly with their results recorded and sent to myself to keep track. As mentally tough as this period is without kicking a football, we must channel that frustration and focus on doing as much as we can to keep the levels of fitness as high as possible. Let’s hope it’s sometime very soon when we can open the gates of the Belmont and get back to some normality.

However challenging this year has been, it has also shown me how strong and resilient people can be. I’ve never known a group of such hardworking people as at this football club...from the chairman all the way down to the volunteer coaches. Although 2020 has been a year we may all want to forget, I’m extremely proud of every single one of you for keeping this football club in a strong position. The youth teams are flourishing, Josh’s academy is adjusting very well to playing in the National League Alliance and his reserve side continues to create a pathway for our younger players including prospects such as George McIlroy from Adam Reveley’s U18s as well as Euan Sallis and Harry Boyce-Huggins who both featured in our FA Trophy squad back in October.

There are too many “thank yous” but it would be wrong if I didn’t mention a few people…
The board of directors for all your hard work this year and continued support.
Our secretary Fran deserves a big pat on the back. I probably speak to her more than her husband and I can’t thank you enough for all you do.
To my players, staff and coaches for all your effort this last year. You’ve managed the “stop-start” amazingly well and I look forward to getting back together on the training field with you all.
To our main sponsors Steve and Val Andrews of Fibretech UK for all your contributions this year.
I’m truly thankful.

Lastly the biggest thank you to all our fans for the immense support you’ve given me and the team this year. We hope we’ve done you proud.

All that’s left to say is I hope everyone has a very Merry and safe Christmas and let’s look forward and hope for a great 2021.

Up the Oysters
Blacky

A message from the chairman to all parents/guardians, managers, coaches and players at the club
As this year comes to an end, I thought I would write a few lines to you all on a personal level at these most difficult of times.

Thank you all for your constant support and commitment to the club over this past year. It has not been easy, and the support you have shown us all has been greatly appreciated. Despite all the challenges being thrown at us, we have managed to play some football, we continue to thrive as a club, and we look forward to more football and success in 2021.

I am honoured to work with a great team of volunteer managers, coaches and committee who have all worked tirelessly to meet every change in the rules and guidance with fortitude and positivity, all for the single aim of getting all our players back playing football. Thank you to you all.

As we approach the New Year, we have no idea what is ahead of us football-wise. We will endeavour to keep you all updated and will be in touch as soon as we know anything. As a club, we will always put the safety of our players and volunteers first.

Please all stay safe and I wish you all a Happy Christmas and hopefully a much better 2021.

Steve

Finally, we would all like to say thank you to all of our kind sponsors, staff, volunteers and supporters and wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and new year. Please take care and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to the club sometime in 2021.