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PHIL BROWN steps down as Clitheroe manager (11th April
2020)
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CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
BY LEE SHARPLES
Season 2019/20 Review
Dear All,
As we now know that the 2019/20 season is now formally over, it felt
like the right time to put down a few words on my first season as
chairman of Clitheroe FC since taking over from Anne Barker after her
years of amazing hard work in and around the club.
The most important message right now is for all connected with Clitheroe
FC be they volunteers, players, managers, supporters or just someone who
has supported from afar, to stay safe and to look after your families.
There will be more games and seasons to come but for the minute let’s
all make sure we’re around to enjoy them.
Since taking over in June 2019 I could not have asked for a better
reaction to the changes in chairman and management team. Phil Brown was
my instant first choice before I had even spoken to him; I had done all
the necessary research needed and just needed to speak to the man
himself. After over an hour on the phone with Phil I could tell just how
much passion he had for football and how much he wanted to get back into
it. Phil was handed a blank piece of paper and informed that this is the
team you have to work with, the only targets that were set were we
wanted to win more than we lost and for there to be a competitive team
on the field. I think we can all agree that this target was met and then
some. As directors and manager, we spoke about how if we got this right
we would get the town behind us, and average crowds of 360 show we did
as we planned.
I would like to thank Phil, Dave, Rick, Neil and every player who has
pulled on the blue and white strip this season. I personally could not
have asked for any more from a group that was put together in one pre
season. I’m proud to have had you all in my first season as a chairman.
I look forward to welcoming you back when we join back up in preparation
for the 2020/21 season.
I would also like to thank all the volunteers who help make Clitheroe FC
an amazing football club, from the guys who make sure the pitch and
stadium is looking amazing, the ladies and gents who work in the
clubhouse, grub tub and hospitality. The club would not exist without
you amazing people and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I would
also like to thank Andrew and Chris for accepting me, working alongside
me and for listening to my ideas.
There is still a lot of work to be done on field and off-field. We have
well advanced plans for the replacement cover at the Shawbridge end and
have submitted grant applications for further work on the ground to
position us for an eventual move to Step 3. More information will be
released once we start moving further down the line with this.
We still require the loyal support of the fans and sponsors in these
uncertain economic times. If fans still come and support the club then
the club will live on like it has for the past 140 years.
Sooner rather than later we will all be back at Shawbridge cheering on
our team over a pie and a pint.
Again, thank you all for your amazing support and see you all very soon,
but most importantly for now, stay safe.
Thanks Lee |
