End of Season Message from the Chairman
12th May 2023Our season has been another busy one with more teams getting involved under our banner. We had first seasons for some youth teams and our new development squad. The first team finished the season 7th in the league.
They had a much better start to season and in September/October we were either at the top of the table or very near. The weather then started to kick in and we lost our way a little and in February we only manged to pick up two points and the top two started to fade away.
We finished strong but it was too late and we finished seventh but managed three points more than last season. Our target was higher but when Nathan joined us two years ago we had put in place a three year plan and with the play offs being introduced next season again our target has to be promotion.
Many teams in our area have made the step up to level four and this is where we need to be. We have the structure at the club to do so, we just need to cross that white line and get there. A big thank you to all the players, management, and volunteer’s for all your efforts and support this season.
Our Reserves side at the start of season again started very well with Stef in charge but again went a little south during the winter and unfortunately Stef had to leave us for personal reasons and Lee Thompson stepped in until the end of season. As I write these notes they are currently in a respectable 8th in the league, They could finish 6th depending on how the last few games go, Lee and his team have done a fantastic job since joining us and we hope they stay on for next season, A big thank you also to players, management, and volunteer’s for all your efforts and support this season.
Our new Development side had a fantastic season winning the league on the last game of the season. A big congratulations to everyone involved a brilliant achievement in their first season. Simon the manager has committed to next season also which is great news for us as we continue the development and hope to see some if not all these lads playing in the reserves and first team which has already been happening this season and is great to see.
Three of our new youth teams were also in their first season with us, we had four teams this season U8s, U9s, U10s and U16s. Our under 8s was unbeaten all season winning their league also well done all. Paul Roberts has taken up the role of our Youth Development Manager going forward and has already got new teams starting with us next season. We wish Paul and all his coaches, players and volunteers good luck for the upcoming season and thank you all for your support and efforts.
A last mention here goes to Sean Money and his Under 16’s team who had their last season with us. Sean and his assistant Darren have been with these kids since the start and have done a fantastic job. Hopefully now we can see some of these players progress into our development team next season.
So next season is already looking good with more growth in our ranks with a potential of 6/7 youth teams, our Under 18’s, Reserves and First Team and we hope a new Ladies side starting under our family we call Barton Town FC – The Swans.
Off the field we are also trying to continue the growth and we will be hopefully be fitting drainage on our pitch and new LED lights. There’s still a bit of paperwork and mileage to do but we are 100% behind getting these completed.
A big thank you to all our sponsors this season. Without you our growth and club would not be here your support is so much appreciated and of course a big thank you to all of our supporters and volunteer’s. I hope to see you all next season.
Up the Swans!
The Chairman
