Liam Graham – Thank You

“With the announcement made yesterday to finish the season for all leagues step 3 – 6 and further down.  I feel it’s only right that we offer our players, volunteers, sponsors and supporters some words on what has happened.

Obviously I as a manager and the players who have worked so hard this season will be feeling dejected with the news to end the season, but in comparison to what’s going on in the country and the world right now it means little not.

On the whole I feel that the FA has made the right call, to protect and save lives. Which is far greater than our need to play football. It will no doubt have been a difficult decision to do so by the FA, knowing the amount of money that clubs have either put in or will lose by cancelling the remainder of the season.

That doesn’t however mean that we don’t value the time and efforts of those who have either supported us by following us each week, or parting with their hard earned cash to sponsor The Reserves and individual players of the club for the season of 19/20 which I would like to thank you on theirs and the clubs behalf. Without it we simply cannot play at the level we do without your amazing support.

And I hope each and every one of you and your businesses come through this tough period of uncertainty with as little damage to your businesses as possible and can continue your success in the near future.

Myself and the players must also stress our thanks to the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and all the rest of the unbelievable volunteers we are incredibly lucky to have at the club for their hard work behind the scenes in the day to day running of the club and for everything they do to support us to cross the white line on a match day each and every week. We cannot praise your spirit, work ethos and drive enough. You’re all a credit to the club and everything it breeds.

Whilst it’s been a hugely difficult and challenging season for myself and the Reserves, in which we were just turning a corner after a period of transition.

I want to place on record my huge thanks and gratitude to all my players and backroom staff for their time, efforts and commitment to me and the club over the last 8/9 or so months in which they have worked their socks off to keep us going. So thank you, we have unfinished business to go at again next season!

It’s (The Humber Premier League) a weird and challenging league and one of which I do believe we should and can do better than our current standing for what will now be a void season. I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all of the league committee members and its clubs we have faced this season for the competitive games, great hospitality pre and post-match and wish you all well going forward. Worth mentioning it’s a huge shame for clubs such like South Cave United who looked likely to secure their first Humber Premier league title and Chalk Lane who were bidding for a 3rd successive title.. who knows now I guess….

Finally I’d like to sign off (for now) with wishing everyone well, good health and safety to you, your families and everyone connected with the club or clubs you represent. Let’s pull together and show why “the beautiful game” unites us all every year.

Best wishes

Liam Graham

Barton Town Reserves Manager