Final Words from Vice Chairman Mathew Conridge.

The 2025/26 comes to an end, and it has a number of highs and lows. If I’m honest, it was a particularly challenging season both on and off of the pitch, but that’s football; progression is rarely a smooth ride.

Mathew Conridge

Focusing on the positives, the win against Taunton in January was a particular highlight. Dan Koita’s late winner was something I’ll remember for many years to come. The Woman’s and Boys Under 18s FA Cup runs were sensational and gave many people something to focus on during the Men’s first team struggles. The signing of the new 30 year lease on the grind was finally completed this week and the club now has foundations on which to build.

There are so many people who deserve praise and thanks but if I tried to name everybody I’d miss a few so I’ll just highlight a few. First to our Chairman Ian Moorcroft who is stepping down from his role at the end of the season. It’s tough to sum up his contribution to the club but I’ll attempt to; he is up there with a handful of people who over the clubs history have had the biggest, positive impact. He is a ‘one in a million’ for certain, and we are all very thankful for everything he has done.

Kimm Smith steps down from his role as Treasurer after at least forty years. He has been a constant for the club, one of the pillars that has supported the club through thick and thin. He’ll be impossible to replace, a true club legend.

Deb Whiteway does so much behind the scenes, attempts to stay out of the limelight but contributes so much on a daily basis. Whether she’s sorting out the faulty boiler in the changing rooms, supporting players with welfare concerns or making trips to the wholesalers to stock up the fridges, without her the club would not function.

And Viv Curtis, everybody knows Viv. She’s done so much since I rejoined and it’s been an absolute pleasure to work with her. She is as good an administrator as you could imagine and an even better human being.

To my fellow committee members, Mark C, Mark F, Mike, Clare, Kimm, Viv and Deb and Rob along with previous members Andy and Olly, it was and is an absolute pleasure to work with you. I count each of you as true friends.

And thank you to all of the staff, management, players, supporters and volunteers. Football is one of the only activities in life that brings so many different people together around one common interest. Love it.

My time as Vice Chair now comes to an end although I’ll still be involved as much as I can. Three years is a long time running a club and in that time family, friends and work have all taken a lower position on the ‘priority list’. It’s time to change that, spend much more time with my family before they fly the nest and let others with enthusiasm, passion and ability move the club on.

We have a great club, with fantastic people and a strong community. Step forward, be part of it and make history.

Onwards and upwards 💛