They play at Step 2 in the National League North – the equivalent of our National League South – so it promises to be a well-matched and entertaining game. Kick-off is at 3.00pm and tickets are available in advance via the website or at the turnstiles on the day.

Unfortunately, the Chess Suite will be closed to supporters on Saturday due to a long-standing private booking – a celebration of marriage – but fear not, both Mavericks and Wallis’ outside bars will be open serving alcoholic and soft drinks. You will also be able to grab a bite to eat at the ever-popular Bill’s Diner and enjoy refreshments from our fully refurbished Tea Bar, which now boasts new equipment and improved facilities thanks to the hard work of our fantastic volunteers.

Speaking of which, a big thank you to Ray and the Monday team who have put in a tremendous effort this past week preparing the ground for the return of supporters. Two of our directors even took up paintbrushes to get the pitch lines marked – one bringing his two children along to help. That’s what this club is all about. Community spirit and a willingness to muck in, all for the love of the game. We have also responded well to some minor issues with the pitch thanks to recent warm rainfall – much more effective than mains water and perfectly timed. The whole stadium is coming together nicely in readiness for the season ahead.

We are currently looking for a dedicated and organised Kit Manager to join our first-team setup. This is a paid role and the successful candidate will be responsible for managing all aspects of the men’s first-team kit and equipment – from organising and transporting to liaising closely with the management team and players. If you are interested, full details can be found on our website and you can apply via football@cheshamunited.co.uk

On the pitch, our pre-season campaign has seen two competitive 2–2 draws this week – away at Royston last Saturday and again at Berkhamsted on Tuesday night. Valuable minutes for the squad as we gear up for our opening fixture on 9th August, away at Maidenhead United. Tuesday evening we are back at The Meadow again as we host Billericay Town for another pre-season test under the lights – kick-off at 7.45pm. Then next weekend we head to Merthyr for a double-header of games at noon and 2pm, followed by a short staff visit the delights of my beloved home capital city of Cardiff.

We have also scheduled an Open Training Evening for Tuesday 5th August where the youth, women’s and men’s squads will train together before breaking into their individual groups. A great opportunity to see the breadth of talent we have across the club – please do come along and be a part of this fantastic community inclusive event.

Our women’s team have been busy building their squad, with a number of new signings and retained players being announced on social media. They continue their pre-season this Sunday at 11.30am against St Albans at Chiltern Hills Academy, followed by another fixture at home to London Seaward on Sunday 3rd August. Their league campaign kicks off at The Meadow on 17th August against London Bees. Please do come down and give them your support – we’re proud of the set-up we have here and they deserve a strong backing.

Good luck also to the England Lionesses in their Euro Final against Spain this Sunday. Any national success lifts the profile of the sport and benefits clubs like ours – particularly the women’s game, which has grown enormously since their last triumph.

We will also be trialling some new matchday regulations this season in line with updated FA guidance, including a new rule giving goalkeepers just eight seconds to distribute the ball (with a countdown from five – if penalised a corner is awarded to the opposition), a clampdown on players crowding the officials with only team captains permitted to approach the referee or risk cautions for dissent, and the use of ten match balls during play to maintain tempo – one on the pitch, one with the fourth official, and eight stationed around the ground with ball personnel, including representatives from our youth and women’s team.

Also, keep an eye out on matchdays for stewards in orange hi-vis jackets – these are our new Supporter Liaison Officers, here to help you, listen to suggestions, and ensure everyone has the best possible experience at The Meadow.

Finally, I want to mention the funeral of Bryn Wallis, a true club stalwart, which will take place at Amersham Crematorium on Wednesday 30th July, 11am. Please wear claret and blue – or club colours of your choice – to honour Bryn’s love for Chesham United. The Wallis’ Bar stands as a lasting tribute to him and the family, and all donations from the service will be directed to the club he so dearly loved. We are also in the early stages of designing a mural inside the Wallis’ Bar, celebrating the supporters, players and local businesses who have helped shape our club over the years. It is these gestures that make our club feel like home.

Thank you as ever for your continued support. Let’s give Oxford City a warm Chesham welcome this Saturday and keep building the momentum together.