SLIGHTLY later than planned, but here’s a brief update for our supporters as we head into December. With 20 games played and 35 points to the good, it has been and continues to be, a phenomenal start to the season.
Of course, the National League North looks very tight with not much splitting the point totals right down to the relegation zone.
A few wins and a quick surge can be the difference between middle to lower of the table and a chance to push for the title.
Teams such as Buxton have demonstrated that a few wins and a bit of good fortune can propel a team right into the mix.
Fortunately, due to very good form, we’ve been in the mix for all of the opening half of the season and this is credit to the team and staff.
Overcoming many hurdles to collect points, particularly at home and being difficult to beat have been part of the recipe this season.
The past month or so has been particularly challenging losing seven regular starters for a sustained period, however, some astute recruitment and a real togetherness has helped us to continue to pick up points.
The away game against Chester being probably the only disappointment in terms of team performance - no excuses but we were down to the bones!
Even though we were beaten by Curzon Ashton recently, some of the youngsters gave a good account of themselves.
Our tired legs and bodies now have some time to recuperate and hopefully we can start to welcome some of our experienced players back into the squad ready for Saturday’s visit of Warrington Rylands in the FA trophy.
A special moment celebrated last week was witnessing Andy Preece reach the remarkable milestone of 1,000 games in football management.
There’s no denying this unbelievable achievement. Immense dedication, resilience, passion for the support of his family have all contributed to Preecy hitting this number of games.
Having worked with Preecy as a player (at Northwich Victoria) then as part of the management team and now supporting him as Chairman, I know firsthand the positive impact he’s had on our club.
He is the most important signing I made in my time as manager - I’m glad I was able to convince him to join us in 2018. Preecy continues to lead Chorley with the same hunger and determination as he did when he first started his management journey - the fire is still burning and we are incredibly fortunate to have him guiding our team.
He’s one of the most significant figures to lead our team over the past couple of decades and his influence could be compared to Garry Flitcroft’s who, in my opinion, shifted the direction of our club in 2010.
We all know that Preecy’s passion for the game is evident from just watching him from the stands. He’s been doing his best this season to collect more cards for the Christmas Period than ever before.
He’s committed and passionate - our supporters love his passion! I don’t know if you’ll be surprised if I told you that he’s much calmer than he was 25-years ago when paired with Andy Morrison (Jock) at Northwich Victoria.
It is with great sadness that we note the passing of Maureen Wardman, one of our beloved Golden Girls. Maureen’s unwavering support for the Magpies, her quick wit and her fiery opinions about referees and opposition tactics were as much a part of Victory Park as the players themselves.
She played a big part in my post match rituals which included a puckered lipped kiss and a breakdown of the referee’s appalling decisions, even if their performance was satisfactory!
She will be dearly missed by all who knew her and we hope Saturday’s tribute goes a small way to reflect her importance to our club and community.
Anyone wanting to pay their respects to Maureen is invited by her family to attend her funeral on Monday 9th December (10am) at St Gregory’s RC Church followed by Committal at Charnock Richard and refreshments at Chorley FC social club.
We have been discussing how we can mark and also remember some of our supporters. We are working with the Magpies Trust to look at implementing a memorial wall in the New Year.
It was an honour to take part in the Chorley Christmas Market light switch-on last week. It’s always great being able to get involved with the Chorley Community - it was wonderful to see so many familiar faces in attendance.
The event was amazing! I even got to dance with Sir Lindsay Hoyle - a privilege!
The spotlight really has been on the club recently - ‘I’m a Celebrity’ fans would have noticed some notable mentions from Rev Richard Coles who is the brother in law of our very own Victor Magpie!
Victor informs me that the Rev will be visiting a game in the new year. This week Victor has been speaking about his connections on BBC Radio Lancashire!
You will hopefully have noticed some other positive ideas and community spirit from the club over the past few weeks.
There’s been an increase in social activities, not least, the welcoming of Marcus Hallows as Elvis Presley on December 14th.
Marcus has made a career out of his excellent show since retiring from football! We have many different Christmas and community offers - the children’s Christmas Party on 22nd December will of course be a highlight.
On Christmas Day we will be opening our doors from 12pm until 3pm and welcome anyone from the local community.
Supporters, friends and locals who fancy a little bit of company in the middle of day. We recognise that although Christmas is a great time of the year, for some people, it can be lonely. So spread the word, turn up for a hot drink, a chat and some Christmas snacks. From Doots, Terry the owners and staff - everyone is welcome - just turn up.
Please don’t just leave it there, we have many appetising events and fixtures over the December period. We really do need the high numbers to continue turning up to games - the support has been as good as I’ve seen it.
Those who visited recently will have noticed the black and white cladding at various parts of the ground. The entrance is now almost complete with further work scheduled as soon as possible. A massive thank you to Just Roof Repairs who have been doing a tremendous job.
Enjoy the month of December and all the build up to Christmas has to offer you and your families. I look forward to seeing you at upcoming games.
If this period is difficult for you, please reach out to us as a club and we can offer support in many ways. Andy’s Man Club and Steve Downie’s Breakthrough Recovery Group are just two support mechanisms on offer.
Tickets for our games can be purchased online and please do keep up to date either here, via our website or our usual social media channels for continuous, helpful updates with regards to events, social gatherings, and much, much more.
An awful lot goes on at this football club, not only what happens for 90 minutes during a home game and there is plenty to get your teeth stuck into away from the pitch.
Thank you as usual for your continued support.
Up the Maggies!
