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I would like to thank Steve Brooks for being our host this evening and also Neil Betteridge for his hard work in organising this event.

I welcome the Players, Coaches and Management staff of our various teams. I offer my personal and sincere thanks to you all for your hard work and effort. I would like to extend a special welcome to the representatives of our junior sides, who in their first season have secured notable success and join us for their first Annual Dinner and Presentation night.

To my Vice-Chairman and fellow Directors, I would like to thank them for their invaluable assistance. I appreciate the hard work and commitment they along with the many staff and volunteers continue to shown Gresley Rovers and the support they afford me personally.

I have in the past talked about the common language of football and the importance of the community and the need to strive to realise the potential of every individual.

‘Be all you can be’ was the chosen words to illustrate the point that every individual person matters.

We come together this evening to reflect on and quantify the season and to honour those that have achieved and attained standards.

During this season across the whole of our football club we have shown that Gresley Rovers is well on course to ‘Being all it can be’.

We have a unique asset and quality at Gresley Rovers – a partnership – a shared dream – between Players, Management, Directors, Supporters and Sponsors. Together we have made a difference. This is our dream team – the partnership that can together continue the progress made – I know that you will all help me build and be part of that team.

Gresley is destined for honour. The players’ spirit and togetherness is a major quality. They have shown that when they want something they have been unstoppable and unbreakable. They have impressed me so much this season. I believe in this squad. The players are my heroes and true heroism is always rewarded.

The commitment and following from the supporters this year has been tremendous – there has been a renewal, a passion, a charge and a sense of purpose. I have taken and I know the players have also, a great strength from this.

We have witnessed increased numbers and a growth in the younger supporters. The next generation is now truly among us – both supporter and with our juniors, players also.

I must make reference to the ‘Choir Boys’ – a collective noun for a group of younger Gresley supporters who have been following the Club for many years, who have now come in to prominence following a chat I had with them away to Racing Club Warwick. They talk to me of the Gresley legends and of great times long ago.
They however also talk of faith and belief in the future. They epitomise the Gresley supporter – its passion, fortitude, strength, and humour and yes compassion.

Without you, the fans, we would not survive.

I am honoured to be Chairman. And I have a confident belief in our Club. The team of Directors that support me are another piece of that unique asset that this Club has. They, like you and I, all have personal lives with family and work commitments to attend to – and yet not one of them ever delays in coming forward with help, advice and/or assistance.

We are not a boastful Club. But we have real strengths. Great people. Strong values – and a proud history.

And there have been so many times that I have felt proud this season – seeing the team warming up at Haig Avenue, Southport before the 3rd Round tie, the teams performance that day and seeing our supporters before, during and after the game. The goal and after match scenes following the victory at the Moat Ground in the replay. Watching as the number of Gresley supporters’ coaches arrived at Morecambe. The game at Solihull – beating the then league leaders and recording our 5th successive victory and the reaction of players and supporters after the game. Witnessing our junior sides as they ran out for matches in their Gresley kits, seeing them in their first season reach 2 Cup finals, our under 12’s winning the League and the under 13’s attaining a runner up position. Our Youth and Reserve teams continue to develop and provide players for the future – so many players have now had first team experience.

This year we have finished 5th in the Dr Martens Western Division, reached the 4th round of the FA Trophy, the Final of the Derbyshire Senior Cup, progressed well in the League Cup and on the way beat Southport and Ilkeston twice!

I hope that the nucleus of this team remain with this Club next season. I am more than aware of the supposed “bright light attractions” of other Clubs, and yes there are places where the grass is greener. But what if it is, this is where the heart is - there is no greater heart than that of Gresley Rovers Football Club.

I recognise the work and achievements of John McGinlay. The Club and I learnt a lot from him. That chapter is closed and a new one begun.

We will begin next season with our new manager – Jon Newsome. I am confident and believe that we have a manager who will help Gresley build on the progress made and continue our quest to fulfil our potential. Currently away working for his UEFA ‘A’ licence he passes on his best wishes and regards – he is very much looking forward to pre – season and the season itself.

Our Sponsors this year have been fantastic and have got really involved in the development of this football club. I thank them for their support and contribution.

Head and heart have come together at Gresley. Using the talents of all, we have proven that stability, development and progress are possible.

Our progress will continue, it is a matter of time and patience, but it will happen. A lot done and a lot more to do. Gresley remain committed, focussed, strong and most importantly ‘Together’.

Gresley Rovers has become a major part of my life. Just like you, I care so very much about it.

We have the passion and drive to succeed. We have a vision, one that is measured and based on sustainable progress.

We have our partnership - made up of players, management, directors, supporters and sponsors.

I deeply believe that, for Gresley Rovers, the best is still to come.

‘Together’ we will continue our journey. We will live our dream.