News

THE WEEKLY UPDATE FROM YOUR CLUB (4th September 2020)

ATFC 4 weeks until the League kicks off

The coronavirus outbreak has sent much of the sporting world into crisis. Virtually no income has been generated since March and yet overheads and other ongoing costs have to be paid. Many footballers have either been made redundant, not had their contracts renewed, or been offered a wage cut to remain. So there is no surprise to see countless footballers putting themselves in the shop window in the search for a new club. Many of the triallists seen in our colours in the last week or two will also have been playing elsewhere.

Coronavirus has led to many of our non playing staff furloughed but with the new season approaching many will be returning at least part time. Henry our PR man is one of them and he will be helping you catch up with match reports to get you in the mood for the season ahead. Just a reminder on that subject, the fixtures are published in detail next Tuesday at 1pm.

Our actual stadium capacity under the coronavirus regime will vary depending on who arrives on their own and who arrives in a bubble of up to six people. Our assumptions indicate that space will be more than adequate for those wishing to stand but tight for those who wish to sit. We are very confident that all season ticket holders will be seated, possibly not in their traditional seat as the spacing plan may not allow, but those booking a seat online close to kick off may only find standing available. So you know what to do……

Danny’s quest to strengthen the squad continues with friendlies and training intensifying. There have been a few knocks but everybody is currently available for when the new season starts on October 2nd. In the 7 to 16 year olds we now have 143 boys signed up for next season. We have recruited well in the over 16s category and these lads are starting their BTech course next week. Yet another great example of how supportive our fans are in the development of youngsters showed itself when Norman, Brian, Richard and Simon who together masquerade as Last of the Summer Wine contributed £500 towards a state of the art camera to be used by the academy.

For those who enjoy a slower pace of life the pitch was reseeded two weeks ago. Club Secretary Bob Green can now look out of his office and watch the grass grow. But for those who enjoy a faster pace the new club shirts have just arrived and Matt, our retail expert, is busy organising the dispatch of pre-orders by email notification. They look fantastic so please go ahead and purchase.