On the pitch, since I last wrote these notes, we have had two very contrasting matches. Last Saturday at The Meadow we enjoyed a rollercoaster 3-2 win over Farnborough. It was one of those games where you hardly dared take your eyes off the action for fear of missing a goal. We went 1-0 up, they equalised, then went 2-1 ahead before we responded with two quick goals of our own. From then on it was a test of nerve and discipline, but huge credit to the management team and the players who executed the game plan superbly to see the match through. It was exciting, attacking football with both sides playing their part and everyone went home having had full value for their money.

Fast forward to Tuesday evening, and the game against Horsham could hardly have been more different. This was more of a battle of attrition, with Horsham seeing plenty of the ball and asking questions of our defensive organisation. I was really pleased to see how hard we worked off the ball, closing down, covering gaps, and not conceding. It finished 0-0. You are not going to win every game 3-2 with end-to-end attacking football; sometimes you have to dig deep, stay disciplined and make sure you do not lose. That is exactly what we did. Of course, the challenge for us is finding a way to create more chances in these types of matches when the opposition enjoy more possession, and I know James and Michael will be working hard on that.

All in all though, it has been a very positive start to the season. We remain unbeaten, confidence is high, and we look forward to tomorrow’s trip to Tonbridge Angels before welcoming Hampton & Richmond Borough to The Meadow on Bank Holiday Monday. I would really encourage as many of you as possible to come along on Monday – bring family, bring friends, and enjoy a full day out at your local club.

On that note, I want to highlight something that gave me a lot of pride on Tuesday. The Horsham supporters travelled in excellent numbers for a Tuesday night game and gave their team superb backing throughout. They were a real credit to their club. Equally pleasing was reading on social media afterwards how complimentary they were about the hospitality and welcome they received from Chesham United and our supporters. That really does mean a lot. We are proud to be seen as a warm and friendly club, and I want to thank all of you who contribute to that atmosphere. It reflects so well on the club, and I know it encourages people to come back again.

Away from the football itself, there are developments inside the clubhouse. From next Tuesday, Sky TV will be installed in The Chess Suite. It is not a cheap investment for a club at our level, but we believe it is important. With so much football now broadcast on Sky, we want people to come to The Meadow early, watch the lunchtime kick-off, enjoy the match, and then perhaps stay afterwards for the evening game. We are also introducing a Happy Hour before all home games, offering great value drinks in a relaxed setting. We want the clubhouse to be somewhere people naturally want to come and spend time with friends, not just on matchdays but more generally.

This is just the beginning. We are looking to install a dartboard and a pool table to give the space more of a “sports bar” feel – something that will make it more appealing and more widely used. Why is this so important? Because the clubhouse is not just a place to grab a pint, it is a vital part of the club’s financial future. The more successful and welcoming we can make it, the more money it generates, and that in turn supports everything we do across the whole club. From investing in the playing squad, to improving facilities, to supporting our youth and women’s teams, it all links back to the financial health of the club. A thriving clubhouse is central to that and we need to keep investing in new projects to keep the momentum going. You get nothing in this game for stagnating.

Over the past couple of years we have seen real progress off the pitch – from refurbishing the tea bar in the Popular Stand, to improving lighting and safety features, to exploring new refreshment options, improving the tannoy, more stewards, Supporter Liaison Officers – and I am determined that we continue evolving on that side of things. The more professional and welcoming we can make the matchday experience, the more people will come back and support us, and that is good news for everyone.

So, plenty to look forward to. Tomorrow’s trip to Tonbridge will be another big test, and then I really hope to see you all at The Meadow on Monday as we take on Hampton & Richmond Borough. Come early, visit the clubhouse for a drink, buy a programme (including an excellent article from our very own Alex Horne this week), soak up the atmosphere, grab a bite from the Tea Bar or Bill’s Diner and then give the lads your full support on the pitch. Afterwards, why not stay for a drink and a chat with players, friends and opposition supporters alike? That is what makes non-league football so special.

Thank you, as always, for your fantastic support.

Peter Brown