Secretary’s scribblings 20th August
At last we’ve received the green light to re-admit spectators to matches and activity is underway behind the scenes to make the necessary changes to keep everyone safe and to ensure social distancing and track and trace regulations are complied with. Things may take a little longer and appear strange as we get used to the new way of doing them so please be patient, obey the reasonable requests of our volunteers and show consideration to others – remember these measures are being put in place to protect us all. If we all pull together, the committee is confident that we can once again provide you with a safe and enjoyable, albeit slightly different, match day experience and we look forward to seeing old friends and hopefully making many new friends.
One important change to be aware of – the far side of the ground including the seating has been closed to all spectators until further notice. This is to enable the coaches, medical staff and substitutes to respect social distancing measures during the match for of course this is not possible using only the dugouts.
Again I would remind supporters that we plan to go ‘cashless’ and card readers have been ordered which we hope to have up and running by the time of our first league match so don’t forget to bring your cards in exactly the same way as when visiting the supermarket, pub or petrol station. Alternatively, do contact us if you’re interested in purchasing a season ticket for all or part of the season.
We’re looking for volunteers to help with the retrieval and cleaning of footballs during matches. This is a good opportunity for someone young and fit to get in for nothing, get a free drink and be an important part of our match day team. Contact me or any club official if interested.
For the time being, match programmes both home and away will be on-line only and thanks go to our editor, Roger Palmer for his efforts in making this possible.
I expect the Western League and Somerset County League to publish full fixtures within a matter of days, meanwhile we have been drawn away in the three FA Competitions – at Sherborne in the FA Cup on Tuesday 1st September, Newquay in the FA Vase on 19th September and Frome Town in FA Youth Cup on 7th September. If we beat Sherborne, who will be determined to repeat their narrow win in the friendly match last Saturday, we will play either Portland or Clevedon Town at home in the Preliminary Round on Saturday 12th September.
Look out for more details of the matches at Sherborne and Newquay which will be published here as I get them.
Unfortunately, our opponents had to pull out of the First team friendly last Wednesday but manager Nik Andrews is satisfied with the levels of fitness and commitment evident throughout the squad and they will enjoy adeserved rest ahead of the final pre-season match at Wells City on Tuesday 25th August, kick off 7.30. Watch this space to see if spectators are allowed.
Meanwhile preparations continue at Reserve and U18 level and all three teams will be ready to go once competitive action resumes.
Before yesterday’s announcement I gave an interview to Glastonbury FM who are keen to promote local sports clubs so look out for more from me or other club representatives in future. This can be found on their website, and starts after 27 minutes on the top tab.
Things are moving quickly so watch this space for further updates.
UTC!!