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Bank of England Soccer Section
AGM - Hon Secretary's Report Bill Shankly believed football and socialism were inseparable. "The socialism I believe in is everybody working for the same goal and everybody having a share in the rewards. That's how I see football, that's how I see life." This comment was resurrected in the aftermath of a failed English World Cup campaign that questioned the commitment to the team of certain star players. Shankly was certainly right about one thing - success comes from collective effort. This spirit of "one for all" has been the lifeblood of our club for over a hundred years, and I have had the privilege to play a small part for the last thirteen. However, we as a club, after our worst results for many years, need to look hard at the task of reenergising the spirit that has given us successes to be proud of over the last 10 years. Our league standings last season were collectively the lowest in recent times - 1st team, 11th. 2nd team, 8th. 3rd team, 9th. 4th team, 9th. 5th team, 8th. Looking back it might be useful to expand briefly on results: The First XI have again been very well managed by Ayyaz Ishaque, finished 11th in the Southern Amateur League 3rd division, after too many lost matches and only 2 draws. However they reached the London Financial Football Association cup final for the 4th time in 4 seasons, winning a gripping semi final on penalties, finishing runners up, losing 2-1. The Second XI, managed by Chris Lewis for the third season, were looking to get closer to their much wanted return to Division 2 after finishing 5th last season, and their fortunes looked promising after some very strong early season form. Mixed results after that and promotion was no longer a possibility, finishing 8th. The Third XI improved slightly on last season's bottom finish with Jerry Jones as captain for the second season. Despite a very poor run of results before Christmas, five wins in the close season, lifting them to 9th. Of the lower sides, the Fourth XI - captained by Ben Plan this season -battled hard to improve on their 6th finishing position of 08-09, but settled for 8th place in minor league (South) Division 6. The Fifth XI, captained by Alex Muscatelli for the second season also enjoyed some good results this season winning a total of seven games, finishing 8th in Division 8 (South) a small improvement on last season's penultimate standing. The Sunday morning Vets XI started this season with much promise, and despite losing a number of their friendly matches they have again managed to reach the LFFA Vets cup final for the third year in a row, the first time as holders. This time our boys lost narrowly 1-0, worthy runners-up. However, off the field there has been much to commend, with a few dedicated club members that deserve our acknowledgements and respect, committed to playing or supporting the club in a voluntary capacity: Alex Muscatelli, Jerry Jones, Ben Plant, Chris Lewis, Paul Cheetham and of course Ayyaz Ishaque for their consistent efforts to lead the 5 teams each week, and of course Terry Benson and Mike Harris continuing to lead the carrying of those veteran legs across the widest pitch in the SAL. Thanks also to Adam Boothroyd, supported by Paul Cheetham, for the lively and varied weekly training sessions, and for encouraging young players to develop. Special thanks to all the committee members, for their essential work behind the scenes that provides everybody with the opportunity to play on the best pitches in the SAL, including Gary Hyett as Social Secretary and his organisation of a splendid end of year dinner (despite the low turnout), Mike Redhouse's crucial work in getting fixtures and referees organised each week, Alan Powell's invaluable presence at the club each Saturday in providing hospitality to the referees and visiting captains, Phil Bunn's seamless accounting to keep the club afloat, Dean McShane's sterling management of the 100 club, Peter Willsher's grip on membership, Andy Moss for keeping the Website in pristine order and Mark Woodward's continued dedication to the club in his role as Chairman. A special mention must also go to Brian Binning who has been nominated this year as Vice President to the Sports Club. However, to return to the theme of club spirit, we can only improve next season if we address certain traits that have developed over the last few seasons, and of particular concern again has been the inconsistent availability throughout the club among both Bankers and guests. Next season, we all must make an effort to improve availability and indeed today we are forced to consider the future of the 5th team. I need not remind you that losing one team can lead to the loss of further teams and potentially threaten the long-term viability of the club. The issues of low attendance at social occasions and the weekly training sessions is also related to the above, in that it has a dampening effect on morale within the club - if we don't fraternise and get to know each other better off the pitch it makes it harder for committed performances on it, especially if teams are changing week by week. We even had to cancel the tour to Lille this May due to a low response. I can assure you that the Committee has been thinking and discussing long and hard - with a passion and commitment to the restoration of the club's fortunes, details that will be shared with you this evening. Our Centenary year of 2007-8 gave us much to be proud and optimistic about. If we want the recent reversal in the club's progress to be halted next season it will need a few more of us to stand up and be counted, something the Committee in its heart I know can count on. Steve Pisano (Hon.Secretary) |
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