First of all I want to extend a warm welcome to the Directors, officials, management, players and supporters of Kingstonian. Welcome to Fetcham Grove!
I am writing these notes, due to Christmas print deadlines, after our exciting victory over Harrow Borough on Saturday where we edged a typical cup tie 3-2 and the squad yet again showed the togetherness to get over the line. Now yet another home draw against Horsham should ensure another big game and big crowd as the magic of the cup continues.
Our season is going from strength to strength as we start the new year with some big games and 18 points available in the month of January alone. Hopefully our two Christmas games against Bognor and Met Police have gone well and we can continue to build with today’s game
As we enter 2026 I want to reflect on some of the successes of the season so far not only on the pitch, where Ian and his team have been excellent, but off the pitch as well. I was looking round the ground on Saturday as we played Harrow and felt immense pride in our hard working staff and volunteers who, facing a crowd of 863, double our normal average, just got on with it to ensure supporters, old and new, have the best possible match day experience. The board never take their hard work and dedication to the club for granted and we all enjoyed an excellent Christmas party on the 18th December which we held as a thank you for all they have done so far this season.
On a match day you will have seen before every game now a local school or junior club side playing on the pitch and going out with the team as mascots. This is all part of our community outreach program which I believe is a big factor in our increased gates. We know youngsters will always be looking to support a big Premier League team but we encourage them to have their local club as their second team and a team they can watch for free when accompanied by an adult. I shared with my fellow board members how excited I got when I was in a supermarket doing my local shop and I saw two separate families with a child in a Leatherhead shirt. I believe we are building something special in the town and long may it continue.
I hope as supporters you can see the difference around the place and sometimes I have to pinch myself on how far we have come in the 3 years since the current board came together. My Co Chair David, and board members Laurance, Debs, Mick and Jim really are a remarkable team who all love the club and constantly work to make it better. I really couldn’t wish for a better Board of Directors.
Starting with tomorrow’s game the race is on to get over the line and get that elusive promotion we are working so hard to achieve. There will be ups and downs along the way but with your support the team will give it their all.
I would like to wish all our supporters a very Happy New Year and hope to see you all at the games ahead.
Up The Tanners
John Dean
2 responses
Your “chat” echoes the general consensus in the stands & the byword for me at the club is Inclusion. Apart from the football, there is an army of people behind the scenes keeping the club running as smoothly as possible & as one of those giving up their time for nowt wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t appreciated & the increased footfall only proves it’s being done right. Probity in the club hierarchy is well proven. You keep doing what you’re doing & so will we. A brighter future awaits. COYT
Keep up the great work, Leatherhead we’re my first club to support as a child and will be forever my club even though I emigrated to the old Dorking FC for a few years lol , looking forward to sponsoring the Horsham game with our family