‘As 2023 draws to a close, I would like to thank everyone involved with Bishop Auckland Football Club, our supporters, volunteers, sponsors, staff, players, coaches and everyone who show the same vision for success as myself. I would also like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year.
Last Saturdays defeat was hard to take, and I am sure you all were as disappointed as me, but we have to put that behind us and encourage Chris and his team to remain focused with their sights firmly set on promotion.
Chris, his management team and players are determined for success and I am sure it’s just a matter of time before we get some. As I write this we are currently sitting top of the table, a position we all want to remain in as we head into the final half and into the end of the season.
We ended last season in third place and to move from 3rd bottom the season before is a sign of the hard work and commitment from everyone within the club.
As well as seeming improvements on the pitch, 2023 has seen us win two awards, The Durham County FA Grassroots Club of the Year and the Positive Environment Award.
There is also some great news surrounding our Bishop United Play, which may be screened, thanks to the hard work of Roy Cavanagh MBE, Steve Newcomb, John Rowell and cast members. We have supported Man Health in their campaign to reduce male suicide. With the help of you all, we have supported the Royal British Legion and the Macmillan Cancer Trust, along with the SSAFA armed forces charity.
We continue to show our support to all FA campaigns, be a continued Equality Partner Club to the Kick it Out campaign and more recently we have become a partner club to Her Game Too.
We have 3 ladies teams, with the recreational team having had recent success in the County Tournament. Our Reserve side continue to support our first team and compete in the first division of the Wearside League.
That said, we could not do this without the dedication of the staff and volunteers, our main sponsors, Teescraft Engineering, VEST Construction, Comtek, B.A. Tyres n Tests, B.A. College and Aspire Accounting or those of you who attend our games week in and week out or those who have kindly sponsored our players, bought sponsor boards, sponsored our tournaments, games and match balls.
Our merchandise sales have been fantastic, never before have we sold so many replica kits and leisurewear, so again I would like to thank all of our magnificent supporters for their dedication to the club.
Finally, I would like to thank my fellow Directors, Terry Jackson, Richard Cooke, Kevin Bowker, Graham Wood and Catherine Pearson. It’s not always visible the work they do sometimes alongside full time jobs but, the support they give me is very much appreciated.
We will obtain success again, with pictures and memories to go alongside our great times displayed in the museum shop.
I hope to see you all on Boxing Day at Shildon, then away at Crook on the 30th, followed by 3 home games in January .
Keep the faith and Up The 2 Blues!
Have a very Happy Christmas and let’s all hope for a successful 2024.
Very best wishes to you all and thank you for your support and dedication.
Role on 2024!’
Steve Coulthard – Chairman