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Hyde United Newsletter
Date published: 13 July 2010
The season is almost upon us and our thoughts can now turn to football after an exciting summer. As previously advised, we are holding a Fan's Night' this Wednesday at 8pm (14 July), which will give Supporters a chance to chat with Neil Tolson about this season's plans and aspirations. There will also be a brief update from the Directors, but this is essentially a night to celebrate the new season and see the new kit(s). A buffet will be provided.
On Tuesday night we are asking Fans to come down to the ground (7pm) to help clear up some of the debris from the recent renovations. Unless we do, we will be unable to play on Saturday. Any help would be greatly appreciated
There have been plenty of renovations and upgrades at the Ground during the summer. The list is too long to publish in detail, but the key items include a full repainting of the ground, enhancements to the dressing rooms and Sponsors Lounge, new water tank and irrigation system and new seats in the main stand. There are plenty of other areas which are also being improved, but may not be completed in full this week. The floodlights are also being upgraded and we are just waiting for the new lamps.
When everything is done, we will have a fantastic stadium, which will hopefully give spectators an enhanced experience and let's hope we can perform on the pitch to give us a season to remember.
Away from ground matters, I am pleased to report we have now paid off our debt to HMRC in full and our VAT account is also up to date. I don't think many football clubs in the country can make those claims. This is a fantastic acheivement and thanks to all concerned who helped along the way. Neil has a realistic playing budget for this season, which is roughly the same as last year. Our overall wage bill is significantly less than it was five years ago, and probably one of the lowest in the League, but we continue to attract some good players.
On the playing front, most of last year's squad have been retained although Nathan Arnold has gone to Alfreton and Kevin Holsgrove to Kidderminster. Michael Jones is still in hospital and we hope he will be released soon and start his long road to recovery. Nathan D'Laryea also has a long period of rehab and we also wish him well. Tom Manship, Chris Lynch and Daniel Douglas Pringle are also recovering from injury, so it is important to have some cover for the start of the season.
We have already signed Craig Mawson, Michael Taylor, Andrew Smart, Daniel Pollitt and Michael Lea, all of whom have good pedigrees and there are one or two more signings in the pipeline.
Pre-season friendlies have now been finalised and a full list is at the end of the Newsletter. Our League fixtures are now out and are attached. I think it is fair to say we have a tough start, but sometimes it is the best time to play potential title challengers.The fixtures are still subject to minor change. With regard to the Cups (remember those?), the Cheshire Senior and Manchester Premier have not yet been drawn and we don't enter the FA Cup until the end of September.
As part of our 125th Anniversary celebrations, we are planning a number of events including a Celebartion Dinner in November. The date and venue is just being finalised. We are also hoping to do a joint event with the Manchester County FA, as they share the same Anniversary. Closer to home, there will be a 125 Year Plaque unveiled by the Council on Tuesday 27th July at 3pm outside the White Lion in Hyde. All fans are cordially invited to attend.
As you will be aware, I am pleased to confirm that Manchester City will be playing all their Reserve and Youth Cup fixtures at Ewen Fields this season and we hope to do some joint ventures with them to attract more fans to both Hyde and City games, involving their CITC scheme. However we cannot relent on the Fund-Raising front. Although the historical debts have now been paid off (as promised), we still have to make ends meet and hopefully with City's involvement we will have more opportunities for fundraising. The City fixtures will be out later this week, but the Premier Reserve League has been changed and this season we could see the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal at Ewen Fields.
There has been a tremendous response to the discounted season ticket scheme. Season tickets are still available and offer amazing value even without the Earlybird discount. Remember that the ticket gains free admission to City's Reserve and Academy fixtures in addition to the Hyde United ones. An application form is below.
We have our first game on Saturday against a Manchester City XI. Before the game (approx 1.30pm) we are hoping to have a game between the Hyde United and Sandbach United under 9s and a penalty shoot out at half time. Admission is just £5 for Adults and £3 for Concessions, but remember it is free for season ticket holders.
We shall have the usual mixture of pre-season friendlies.
July 17th - Manchester City (home)
July 20th - Buxton (away)
July 24th - Prestatyn Town (away)
July 27th - Irlam Town (away)
July 31st - FC Halifax home)
August 3rd - Mossley (away)
August 6th - Chorley (away) - 7.30pm
Keep the faith and let us make this a season to remember
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