I want to start by saying what a difference a year makes.
Last Christmas we were at the wrong end of the league and struggling and where we stayed until the end of the season, however, after an entertaining final game away to Crook we managed to steer clear of relegation.
As I take every aspect of the football club seriously, I will be able to relax and enjoy Christmas much more this year and the club will go into Christmas as league leaders, although played more games than anyone else.
Whilst we are fully aware there is still a long way to go, I would like to thank Chris Hardy and his management team in assembling a great squad. If we continue our winning run with 8 home games left out of our last 17 league games, I am sure we will be there and thereabouts at the end of the season. We need to keep our fingers crossed to stay clear of injuries and further suspensions, we will need our strongest side available to give us the best chance possible.
I would also like to thank my fellow Directors, every one of them putting many hours of hard work in, a lot of which is unseen.
Thanks to our sponsors both old and new, without their support we would not be able to function and progress the team. Thank you to our dedicated volunteers and staff going above and beyond and to our supporters, returning through the gates, week after week, with our attendance being one of the best in the league.
Can I also thank all customers, who support our, online sales, the ground club shop and the Bishops’ shop in the Market Place with lots of merchandise sales and with the history of the Bishops going down well with customers.
Over the last 2-3 years we have all worked hard and gone through ups and downs, but we have a club, ground and team to be proud of and all involved with BAFC are trying their best to put the Bishops back on the map where we should be.
I would like to finish by wishing everyone connected with Bishop Auckland Football Club a very merry Christmas and very best wishes for the New Year.
Let’s hope 2023 is successful and enjoyable for everyone concerned on and off the pitch!