I’ve had a number of enquiries asking whether we will be running a coach to the game. The answer, quite simply, is it depends on numbers! If you are 100% committed to taking up a space on a coach, please do let me know as soon as possible so we can gauge the level of interest. The more that book early, the more viable it becomes to make the arrangements.

Back at The Meadow, you will notice some new signage around the ground, showing the Enterprise National League and showcasing our ever-loyal group of sponsors. These businesses are the lifeblood of our community and they choose to support Chesham United – I would urge you, when you need a service or product, please do check the advertising boards, give them a try, and importantly, tell them you chose them because of their backing of our football club. That feedback really does matter.

A huge thank you as always to our hardworking volunteers who have been battling the elements and a long list of jobs to get the ground up to standard. However, I must say with some frustration that one stand currently remains unsafe to open due to outstanding work and, without additional help, may well remain closed for the Oxford City game. Despite requests going out through our networks, turnout at recent volunteer sessions has been disappointingly low. We urgently need more hands on deck. Yellow no-standing lines are being repainted, terraces need sweeping and patching, and surfaces made safe – and yet it’s been the same small group putting in hours each week. A special thanks to our Monday regulars and the handful of daily helpers – you’re amazing, but you shouldn’t be doing this alone.

If we are to keep using our facilities safely and sustainably, we either need more volunteers, or we will be faced with raising prices or cutting into the playing budget to pay professionals to do the work. None of us want that after all the hard work that has gone in to getting us where we are today. So please, if you care about this club and have time to spare, now is the time to step forward.

On the pitch, it’s been great to see the squad back in action for our opening pre-season friendlies. There’s an excitement building, and I’ve seen some exceptional goals already. The squad are looking sharp and focused as they get back into the matchday rhythm with our two games played so far seeing two completely different XI’s starting each half. However, that has not distracted from the entertainment with two wins under our belt – 4-2 at Beaconsfield last Saturday in sweltering heat and then a 9-3 win at Uxbridge on Tuesday night in a game in which, to be honest, we could have scored several more. I hope to see a good number of you at Royston this Saturday for a 1.00pm kick-off.

A heads-up for the new season: we will be charging for parking at the ground. To help ease congestion and improve operations, we’ve invested in expanding the grass parking area behind the club – this will accommodate players and some additional spaces. The pricing structure will be: £100 + VAT for a guaranteed, reserved season-long spot (with signage), or £2 per game on a first-come basis. Blue Badge holders and players/officials are exempt from the charge. Once full, the car park will be closed, so do plan to arrive early. These funds will help us continue to provide professional matchday stewarding and a safe environment for everyone.

And speaking of safety, I am delighted to introduce you all to our new Head of Stadium Operations, Alan Davies, who joins us with a wealth of experience from Wycombe Wanderers FC. Alan has already been a great help in ensuring our facilities are up to scratch for the season ahead. I would also like to take a moment to thank Martin Woolnough for his tireless commitment over many years in this role – family commitments now require more of his time and he steps back with our enormous appreciation and best wishes.

Thank you, as ever, for your continued support – in the stands, online, and behind the scenes. Together, we make this club what it is.

See you Saturday.

Peter Brown