So, we have reached the end of the season, the first on our return to the North West Counties. It is fair to say it has been a learning curve on and off the pitch but it certainly gives us something to build on.

Having been around the play off places almost all of the season, we had some poor results and injuries. amidst a fixture backlog late in the season, which saw us miss out on the play offs. Indeed, injuries have been a feature of our season. I think we may have set a record having had eight keepers in a season!.

Having said that there are no excuses and no blame to be attached for not making the cut. It will make us stronger and give the manager and coaching staff, which I am delighted to say now includes Chris Baguley, something to work on in the Summer.

We will be holding open trials looking for players, who need to be over sixteen as we do not have any junior sides at present. Hopefully some local lads, will come out of the woodwork.

If you are interested or know any players, then make contact at heyschairman@sky.com or call 07792017095 to arrange a trial.

The Reserves though kept the trophies coming, eight in the last three years, by winning the Manchester League Division 1, and promotion to the Premier Division next season.
Winning the title, at the first attempt is some achievement for Tony Hanson’s side. Up against first team opposition from other clubs they won the league by six points.

I still find it hard to believe the number of people in the area who are unaware of Prestwich Heys. We will be promoting the club more actively in the coming months and having formed a partnership with RCM advertising, we are looking to see local businesses advertising and sponsoring the club.

During the close season we will be doing work on the pitch. It does not really help that the local youths climb over the fence and have a full on game most evenings. I appreciate that they are not causing damage to the club, but it means the amount of work on the pitch is continuous. It can be soul destroying to have worked for a minimum of four hours to repairs divots and get the pitch match ready to then turn up and have to do it again. Measures will have to be taken to keep unwanted visitors out of the ground and off the pitch.

We will continue to improve the ground and volunteers are always welcome to come along and help out, you do not have to be skilled, just a willing volunteer. Come and be part of the club, get involved and tell your friends.

There will be an increase in admission prices next season. The new prices will be £5 adults, £3 concessions. under 16 free. There will also be an increase in programme costs which will be confirmed in the summer. The increase brings us in line with the majority of clubs in the league. We will be looking at season tickets, which will have a reduction on the gate costs.

Please be assured that the additional income will be put back into the running of the club.

If anyone fancies sponsoring players, match balls or certain games just approach one of the committee.

I would like to finish by thanking all our supporter’s volunteers’ committee members, players and management for their efforts this season

Thank you to the North West Counties and the Manchester League.

We will see you all next season. Have a good summer.

Neil Gilmore