CHAIRMAN'S WELCOME Stuart Bonser gives his latest thoughts ahead of today's match

STUART BONSER CHAIRMAN'S WELCOME

Good afternoon and welcome to the NFU Sports Ground for today’s first home game of the new season and May I extend a warm welcome to our opponents Paget Rangers and their players, officials and supporters. I’m sure you will all agree with me that the last 2 seasons have been challenging due to the pandemic but with fresh hope of a new season I hope that we get to see this one out. Please be reminded that you are fully entitled to wear a mask if you choose to do so along with Maintaining social distancing and I ask all of us to respect individual wishes as we manage this pandemic and our way out of it. The big news that I’m sure you are all aware is that we are now proud owners of our own ground following the successful purchase in June. A lot of work went into completing the purchase behind the scenes and a huge thanks to all of those that helped us achieve this momentous achievement. We now look forward to phase 2 of our plans which include a new 3G training pitch, changing rooms and community building. The summer has been amazing at the club with the Euros and thank you to each and every one of the patrons that visited us during the games as your support was amazing and the atmosphere was one to be admired.

Last Monday we visited Chelmsley Town FC and came away with a 2-2 draw and I am sure that Andy will have the boys up for today’s game. I would like to welcome officially David Ferguson to the club who joins us as the new Knights Manager and wish him every success this season. There have been more examples of our player pathway working with the introduction of Will Robson into the senior team during pre season friendlies and he looks like he’s been there a few years and we wish him all the success. I’m confident that more youth players will find their way into the senior squads over he course of he season and I wish them all the very best. One person that deserves a significant mention is Charlie Tissington Jnr who during last Season decided to step down as the secretary of the club. This was a sad day for the club as Charlie has been one of the backbones of the club for over 40 years and served in many roles during his time and the hours he gave are truly worth recognising as his contribution over he years has been amazing. It is still great to see him around he club and he will always be a well respected and recognised individual and always welcome. All that’s remains is to wish Andy and he players the very best for today’s game and hope we all enjoy a good game and a season of football which we all have missed.

Ps – if you are visiting the ground by car please DO NOT OBSTRUCT the junction to Cambrian Way by parking on the grass/path verge as this is both dangerous and you could get a fixed penalty notice from the Council and or Police.

Find us at 84 Smisby Road, Ashby De La Zouch. LE65 2JL 84 Smisby Road, Ashby De La Zouch. LE65 2JL. Customer parking at rear of building