MANY unexpected changes have been taking place at Crediton United AFC during the summer months, and the club is working extremely hard to address the impact of some of those changes.

We hope that by sharing these there will be a degree of understanding from our supporters as we get ourselves back, fully functioning.

Due to a change in work commitments, last season’s football management team had to sadly resign just a couple of weeks before preparations for the new season commenced.

Under some pressure of time, the club managed to recruit two new “joint team-managers” in Paul Harris and Steve Goss, and both have now taken up post and overseeing training and friendly matches.

Bar Steward and organiser of fund-raising events and various other club activities, Ian Cann, also tendered his resignation and a variety of specific fund-raising events were cancelled.

However, any organisations that had already booked the clubhouse for their own events will not lose their booking, and the club is able to accommodate any new bookings specifically for organisations.

More recently, the club’s vice-chair, and gate-keeper on match days, sadly stepped down as vice-chair in order to continue following the career of his son who left the club to join a Toolstation Western League team, thus leaving a hole in the club’s executive committee.

Nevertheless, he will remain a club member with an ongoing interest and involvement in our development.

All departed personnel remain on good terms with the Club and have expressed both a sadness at leaving and a hope that opportunities will arise in the future for a return.

On Saturday, July 19, we are pleased to announce that a Testimonial Match will be played in honour of Dave Lee’s long-term commitment to the Club of over 20 years.

Dave’s wish is for this to be a “family day”, with a Dave Lee’s XI playing Crediton United at Lords Meadow.

The day will feature a BBQ and is planned to be a child/family friendly event.

Kick Off will be at 3pm, although the clubhouse facilities will be available from 1pm.

This event will be followed on Monday, July 21 (7.30pm) with a home friendly match against Sidmouth Town, who, newly promoted to the Toolstation Western League, will provide tough opposition for our new managers and players.

Saturday, July 26 will be away to Brixham.

The club will be taking the opportunity of advertising for vacant posts over the next few weeks, but if anyone has a specific interest in matchday gatekeeping, fund raising, or operating our match-day refreshment shed, we would be only too pleased to hear from them. Contact can be made via: [email protected] .

Dr Rod Hawker

Chair

Crediton United AFC

The club, which has a clubhouse with function room, changing rooms and pitch at Lords Meadow, was established in 1910.

It held its first general meeting on September 10, and immediately joined the Exeter and District League.