This weeks “Chat from the Chair”

Once again Chairman John Dean gives us his thoughts ahead of Saturdays game.

Excerpt from Saturdays programme against AFC Portchester

A warm welcome today to the official and supporters of AFC Portchester for what I am sure will be a tough game.

My ears are still ringing after our last gasp winner against Raynes Park where Jacob Breckon produced a wonder finish from a tight angle to steel all 3 points at the death. With Westfield conceding a last minute goal as well it puts us in a very strong position as we enter the final straight.

After conceding 6 against us earlier in the week Raynes Park came with a game plan to frustrate us and the boys had to keep their heads as they tried to break down a stubborn defence. Looking at my phone after 90 mins I was thinking a 7 point lead is not to bad, only for 6 minutes later that lead to stretch to 12 as we got the late winner and Egham scored two goals in injury time in their game against Westfield. Football can certainly play with your emotions that’s for sure.

I am writing this the morning after a really tough night against Horndean where in absolutely awful weather we won 3-0. The conditions made it difficult to watch, let alone play, with strong winds and driving rain. Every player got stuck in and went to war and to see them, to a man, tackling back and winning headers made me very proud of what Ian, Mick and Pitts have built. The boys can see the finish line and nothing was going to stop them.

One thing I feel I need to address is the behaviour of a small number of fans at the away game to Raynes Park where a few idiots thought is funny to chant totally inappropriate songs towards our ex manager Hayden Bird. This may yet result in a fine for the club and has already cost a substantial amount of money as we had to employ additional security for the home game.

We have worked hard to grow our crowds and put Leatherhead FC at the centre of our local community and we will not let a few bad apples spoil our reputation. You are not welcome so stay away from Fetcham Grove.

I had the pleasure this week of addressing the TSC AGM and it is always a pleasure to mix with our hard core fans. They do a great job in collecting additional funds for the club and it was pleasing to hear such positive feedback on how they feel the club is progressing.

Let’s all stay behind the boys for the last 7 games and keep our nerve if we have a setback. I know the team, and they are all desperate to win silverware, but its never over until its over so as a united green army let have that final push as a family of officials, players and supporters.

UP THE TANNERS

JOHN DEAN

CHAIRMAN