This week’s chat from the chair.

 Well, what a week that was !

Two home defeats followed by another away win leaves us back on top of the table, as I write these notes, in what felt like the longest week since I took over leading the club in Feb 25.

Like most supporters I didn’t see the two defeats coming, especially after the excellent performance at Portchester,  and I think we were all in shock on Wednesday morning. To see the boys bounce back Saturday was pleasing for all, and to see the Green Army full of smiles at the end felt special.

The turnout of supporters was again outstanding and to hear the shouts for Leatherhead as the boys were stood in the tunnel waiting to come out sent a shiver down my spine. I know Kane mentioned the lift it gave the boys in his post match interview and it is that sort of togetherness we will need if we are to get over the line at the end of the season. It will take us all, Players, Team Management, Club Officials and supporters standing together and supporting each other as one family. There will be more ups and downs I’m sure and the pressure will mount but if we all stand strong I believe we will come through in the end. We have two home games coming up and the boys need your support to make the Grove a fortress again. We have by far the best away results in the league so let’s help the team get the same consistency at home.

A big positive this week is the strengthening of the Board with Trevor Kelly joining us as Community Affairs Director. Trevor, who has been working with us as a volunteer running the Community outreach program, has done an excellent job in introducing local schools to come on a match day as well as running mornings meets where our players, both mens and ladies teams, attend schools to further spread the gospel of Leatherhead Football Club. The work he has done has contributed to increased gate numbers at home games and is helping us grow the supporters of the future.

He is the son of club legend Chris Kelly, the “Leatherhead Lip” who many older fans will remember for his goals, and outspoken comments in Leatherhead’s cup run in the 1974-75 season. Trevors appointment will further strengthen our community engagement in the years to come and I’m delighted he had joined our team.

I always like to mention some of our volunteers in this column and today a special mention to Kirsty and Keri who run the club shop. These two have done an outstanding job in the last few years and helped transform the sleepy old shop to what it is now, a growing revenue stream providing a quality service to match day fans. Pop in and see them, they have a great range and some real bargains as well, including this years away shirt for just £16 !!

Today I would also like to welcome the Officials and supporters of Fareham Town and hope they enjoy the time they spend at Fetcham Grove.

UP THE TANNERS

JOHN DEAN

CHAIRMAN