Can anyone remember what we were doing as a club seven years ago this weekend? Let me remind you. We were losing 7-0 away to Beaconsfield, sitting bottom of the Southern League with a solitary win in 11 games. We looked doomed. Even that early, relegation seemed inevitable. But in the background, the Board were already making changes – quietly interviewing new managers and searching for the right people to turn the ship. There were some big non-league names in the frame, managers with long CVs and impressive records. But Roger Payne, the owner and key decision maker at the time, saw something special in two young individuals from Potters Bar Town – James Duncan and Michael Murray. Their ambition, energy and understanding of the game stood out. The rest, as they say, is history.
And here’s a fun little test of your Chesham knowledge – there was one player in that 7-0 defeat who is still playing for us today. Anyone guess who that might be? It’s another reminder of how far we’ve come as a club, but also how much continuity and loyalty still runs through the heart of Chesham United.
We didn’t just survive that season – we rebuilt. We grew as a team, as a club and as a community. From that moment to where we are today – in the National League South, competing with full-time sides and ex-league clubs – is nothing short of remarkable. JD and Muzza have been at the centre of it all. They’ve built something lasting, and it’s about far more than football. It’s about people, belief, and togetherness. The footballing journey has had its challenges, but it’s also been full of pride and progress. We have climbed some steep cliffs, but each step has taken us higher, and we’re still moving forward.
As a club, our ambitions remain as strong as ever. We want to keep improving on the pitch and off it, but we will always do things the right way. We run the club as a business, not a gamble. There are no FA Cup funds this season, but that doesn’t change our focus or belief. We continue to work hard behind the scenes to grow income, attract sponsorship and keep our finances stable. Every pint bought in the clubhouse, every scarf or shirt sold, every ticket purchased – it all makes a difference. Together, we can keep building.
That’s why initiatives like our Player Injury & Rehabilitation Fund are so important. The support from everyone who has donated has been absolutely fantastic – thank you. The fund makes a real difference to our players when they suffer serious injuries, especially those who are self-employed or lose income while recovering. It’s about looking after our own and doing things the right way, and your generosity has shown exactly what this club is all about. Every donation, no matter how small, genuinely helps.
It’s also been a while since I’ve mentioned the new ground project, but it remains an ongoing piece of work in the background. I’m desperate for the day when we can share more concrete plans and show how this will take our club and town forward. It will come, but we need to do it right. Everything we do must fit into the longer-term ambitions we share. For now, let’s just appreciate how far we’ve come since that painful day at Beaconsfield – and how much further we can still go.
Tomorrow we welcome Torquay United to The Meadow, another ex-Football League side and a reminder of how far up the pyramid we’ve climbed. Last weekend’s excellent 0-0 draw away to Maidstone showed our resilience once again. That was our fourth goalless draw of the season – proof that this side knows how to defend, how to compete and how to stay strong against very good teams. Keep doing that, and the goals and wins will follow.
After the game tomorrow, I’d really like to encourage everyone to come into the clubhouse. We’ll have live football on the big screens, of course, but more importantly, we have some special presentations planned for our players and managers. It promises to be a really good evening and a great chance to come together and celebrate everything we’ve achieved – and everything still to come.
And while you’ve got your diary handy, a quick reminder that Fireworks Night is fast approaching. It’s always one of our biggest and most enjoyable community events of the year, and the team behind the scenes are working incredibly hard to make it another fantastic occasion. Tickets are available soon via the website – please do buy early and spread the word to family, friends and neighbours. The profits from the event make a real difference to club funds and help us keep improving the matchday experience for everyone.
Finally, a quick word on our women’s team, who were on the road last weekend against an outstanding Fulham side. They gave everything, and Jenny Nagle’s goal was a real highlight in a 5-1 defeat that didn’t reflect the performance. This Sunday, they’re back at The Meadow at 2pm in the FAWNL Plate against Ascot United. The Kokum will again be providing their fantastic food, and Tanya and the team in The Chess Suite will be ready with a warm welcome – please do come down and support them if you can.
Thank you, as always, for your continued backing. Let’s make it a big weekend on and off the pitch.
Peter Brown
Answer to the question: Lewis Rolfe
